New York: World Cities Day is being observed today (Friday) across the globe, including in Pakistan, to highlight the growing trends of urbanization, the challenges it presents, and the importance of creating sustainable urban environments.
The theme for this year, “People-Centered Smart Cities,” emphasizes the need to design urban spaces that put the well-being of citizens first while incorporating technology and innovation to improve living conditions.
World Cities Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2013 through Resolution 68/239. The purpose is to encourage international collaboration on urban issues and inspire new strategies for urban planning and management. The first observance took place in 2014, following major international events such as the 2010 Shanghai Expo, which carried the theme “Better City, Better Life,” and the 2016 Habitat III Conference in Quito, which introduced the New Urban Agenda.
Since its inception, World Cities Day has become an important platform for sharing ideas, promoting best practices, and raising awareness about the need to make cities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable—goals that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11.
Currently, more than half of the world’s population resides in urban areas, a figure expected to rise to nearly 70% by 2050. While cities are hubs of economic growth and innovation, they are also under immense pressure due to issues like housing shortages, insufficient infrastructure, climate change, and social inequality.
World Cities Day urges governments, local authorities, and communities to work together to develop fair and lasting solutions to these challenges. The day is marked by various events, including conferences, exhibitions, and community activities, that focus on improving urban management and promoting sustainable innovation.
For countries like Pakistan, where urban growth is rapidly accelerating, the observance offers a chance to address the opportunities and challenges associated with expanding cities. It highlights the need for better infrastructure, regulating unplanned urban expansion, tackling informal settlements, and building climate resilience.
World Cities Day serves as a global reminder that creating well-planned, inclusive, and sustainable cities is essential for ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come. It encourages countries to rethink their urbanization strategies and work towards cities that foster not only economic growth but also environmental sustainability and social equality.
