Today is the first World Cities Day, initiated by UN Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. It's theme is Better City, Better Life. Every year, the 31 October will be dedicated to the challenges and opportunities of developing our cities in the age of urbanisation. Shanghai is the host of this first World Cities Day, with other cities following over the coming years.
Federal Minister for Environment and Building, Barbara Hendricks commented: "It must be our ambition to shape global urbanisation in a sustainable and socially balanced way. That is why I support the UN-Habitat approach of putting the topic at the top of the agenda. Germany will participate with its more than 40 years of experience in urban planning, urban development and support policies and contribute new ideas on modern urban development at global level. We are also able to make valuable contributions from the drawing up of the Leipzig Charter on Sustainable European Cities."
"The BMUB collaborates with partners from developing and newly industrialising countries on a number of bilateral projects for integrated urban development."
While 100 years ago city dwellers were a small minority, in 2030 more than two thirds of the Earth's population will be living in cities. Against this background, how we plan and develop our cities today is of great importance. Cities are already playing a crucial role in climate action and environmental protection - especially with a view to the growing demand for energy, water, transport and waste management. In this area it is important to make use of the potentials for sustainable and environmentally sound urban development.
World Cities Day is the beginning of a broad dialogue between international organisations, government representatives, mayors and society. It is also part of the preparations for the UN post-2015 process on the sustainable development goals and the Third United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat III) in 2016.