Start Date : 4 Oct 10   End Date : 4 Oct 10 Location: Barcelona

The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day. The idea is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities and the basic right of all, to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat. The United Nations chose the theme Better City, Better Life to highlight our collective vision of a sustainable urban world that harnesses the potential and possibilities, mitigates inequalities and disparities, and provides a home for people of all cultures and ages, both rich and poor.

For the first time, the city of Barcelona hosts the World Habitat Day, while the global observance will take place in Shanghai in the framework of the EXPO 2010. At the same time, numerous cities of the whole world will celebrate events recognising the impact that cities, with an adequate planning, can have to create opportunities and significantly improve the quality of life for their citizens.

With the occasion, the Office of UN-HABITAT in Barcelona is organising an institutional event within the Congress: “Rehabilitation and Sustainability: the future is possible” followed by a Panel under the title: “Responsibilities and challenges of local governments in the sustainability of the urban planning” will convene with international public decision-makers to discuss the challenge that municipalities and regional governments must face when choosing between urban expansion and consolidation of the existent city. More information at: http://www.rsf2010.org/en