Speech of the UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach at the Opening Ceremony of the World Habitat Day in Querétaro, Mexico

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Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Colleagues, friends, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning!

I would like to thank the Government of Querétaro, the Municipality of Querétaro and the Government of Mexico for hosting the Global Observance of World Habitat Day 2024. This day was established in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/202, and each year, World Habitat Day adopts a new theme to highlight UN-Habitat’s mandate to promote sustainable development policies that ensure adequate housing for all people.

This year’s theme, “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future”, underlines the vital role that young people play in shaping our cities and settlements. I am glad to see so many young changemakers here today – thank you for joining us! This day is not just for dialogue, we are here to plan actions that will change the urban future, for all people and together.

This year’s celebration of World Habitat Day is special. It comes after the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, and the Future Summit in New York last month. It is the first opportunity we have to reflect on the Pact for the Future and the Declaration on Future Generations. It is the first time in history that so many countries, at the highest political level, have committed to taking into account the interests of the next generations in their policies and decisions. This is also the perfect time to acknowledge the global housing crisis, and the need for urgent solutions to ensure housing for young people.

Today we are not only here to celebrate World Habitat Day, but to kick off Urban October, an entire month dedicated to promoting the ideals of sustainability, adequate housing and a future built on smart urban planning. Young people will play a vital role in shaping our cities in the coming decades, which is why UN-Habitat has always been at the forefront of youth engagement. Our Youth Advisory Board, some of whose members are here today, represents a new generation of urban planners, advocates and leaders ensuring that the cities of the future are inclusive, sustainable and equitable.

By 2050, it is projected that almost 70% of the world’s population will live in urban areas. The challenges that accompany rapid urbanization, especially for young people in the Global South – who already make up 70% of the urban population – demand urgent and innovative solutions. At the heart of these solutions is one of the most fundamental human rights: the right to adequate housing.

As we all know, housing is about much more than a roof and four walls. It is about dignity, security and opportunity. Adequate housing is essential to ensure that people, especially young people, can fully contribute to the future of our cities. By focusing on sustainable housing solutions, we can address many of the root causes of poverty, inequality and social exclusion.

During our discussions, we will develop an “ACTION Declaration” for sustainable urbanization, made by and for young people. It will include concrete action plans at local, national and international levels. Together, we will co-create the cities we want and need, ensuring access to adequate housing, basic services and safe public spaces for all people. I call on national and local authorities, the United Nations system and all of us to rise to the challenge. Get involved, contribute and make your voices heard.

I am excited to be with you all here this morning and to welcome our distinguished speakers, Scroll of Honour winners and participants in the roundtable sessions. The UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award will recognise those who have gone above and beyond to advance sustainable urbanisation. Their efforts show us that meaningful change is possible.

Once again, I thank the Government of Querétaro, the Municipality of Querétaro and the Government of Mexico, which currently presides over the UN-Habitat Assembly, for hosting this Global Observance of World Habitat Day.

World Habitat Day is officially open!

Thank you very much!

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