Honorable Mayors, distinguished representative, colleagues, friends, ladies and gentlemen, Urbanization is one of the most significant trends of our time. More than half of the world’s population now live in cities and this figure is expected to rise to almost 70% by 2050. Cities are the engine of economic growth innovation and social ...

  Dear Global Citizens, As We Gather today to celebrate World habitat day, set by the United Nations to reflect on the state of human settlements and Human Habitat, let us remember that cities are Not Mere collections of buildings and Roads. Cities are vibrant ecosystem of human potential and Innovation. They are our future. ...

Secretary-General Urges ‘Peace, Mutual Respect, Solidarity’, in Message Marking Beginning of Ramadan Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the beginning of Ramadan, on 22 March: I send my warmest wishes as Muslims around the world begin observing the holy month of Ramadan. This is a moment of reflection and ...

Nowruz marks new beginnings. A “new day”. A new year. The arrival of spring and rebirth of nature. For more than 300 million people around the world, it is a time for family and friends to come together, reflect on the past and look forward to a brighter future. Nowruz is also a celebration of ...

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women and girls across all walks of life, in all corners of the world. But we also recognize the enormous obstacles they face — from structural injustices, marginalization, and violence, to cascading crises that affect them first and worst, to the denial of their personal autonomy ...

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Each year World Habitat Day focuses attention on the state of the world’s towns and cities. This year’s observance highlights the centrality of housing as a driver for sustainable urban development. Currently, 1 billion people live in overcrowded settlements with inadequate housing. By 2030, that number will rise to 1.6 billion. Action is needed now ...