UN-HABITAT.:. World Habitat Day 2010 | Events around the world

ALL
Africa & Arab States
Asia and the Pacific
Europe
Latin America & the Caribbean
North America

Country	Event
Argentina	A special invitation to the Rodrigo Bueno, Buenos Aires City for World Habitat Day celebrations on 6 October to highlight the important theme Better City, Better Life. The special invitation has been sent to the Information Center of the United Nations - CINU, Chamber of Deputies and Chamber of Senators, Social organizations, Non-governmental organizations of promotion and development, cooperatives, public organisms, universities and centers of research, international organisms in Argentina and social movements.
Australia	The International Union of Architects will organize the World Architecture Day on 4 October. The theme will be Better City, Better Life - Sustainable by Design to link to this year's World Habitat Day theme, Better City, Better Life. The initiative will involve UIA's 116 Member Sections in 124 countries.
Australia	Habitat for Humanity Australia served up a new event called “High Tea for Habitat” on World Habitat Day. The grand hostess (ambassador) of the event was Jill Jones-Evans, co-owner of the Victoria Room, who has been dubbed Sydney's Queen of High Tea.
Austria	World Habitat Day was celebrated in Vienna by presentation of UN-HABITAT's Scroll of Honor Award to the Honorable Michael Haupl on behalf of the City of Vienna for the significant work of the city in social housing. The celebrations were held in Vienna City Hall.
Brazil	Conferência Criança Brasil no Milênio and OPA Brazil will organize an event to mark World Habitat Day celebrations at City Hall Chamber of Nerópolis in Goiás, in Brazil on 4 October. This will be a special session dedicated to the presentation of the views and expressions of better city, better life for children between the ages of 6 and 14 years, in the region.
	The Movement of Slum Women will organize a local awareness event in Southern Region Fluminense, covering about 19 cities in Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro State to encourage the introduction of urban sustainability in the school curriculum; organize competitions in schools and colleges to find solutions to human settlements and urban problems, create awareness of the World Habitat Day; highlight the problems and opportunities on the theme of this year, Better City, Better Life, providing a sustainable urban world through exhibitions, events and discussions with policy makers, including government officials, academics, journalists, other professionals and community representatives; publicize, reward and demonstrate tangible improvements and practices to ensure a sustainable world city, to harness the potential and possibilities, reduce inequalities and disparities and provide a home for people of all cultures and ages, both rich and poor communities in the region.
	CCBM Brazil will organize an awareness-raising event for World Habitat Day celebrations in Brazil, in Nerópolis on 4 October. The special session at City Hall Chamber of Nerópolis in Goiás, is dedicated to the presentation of the views and expressions on better city, better life. The initiative will involve children of 6-14 years of the region and other municipalities.
	In Nerópolis a special session dubbed “The Children, thinking on the construction of a city and a better life in the Municipality”, was held at the Town Hall of Nerópolis on 4 October 2010. This special session involving children aged between 6 and 14 years was requested by the OPA/CCBM and granted by City Council Nerópolis. Activities involved public dialogue between children and community authorities and the municipality of Nerópolis about the interests, behavior, attitude and social responsibility of the child as a citizen of law - citizen in childhood and adolescence in the same way that in adulthood and old age - in order to build a city and a better life for themselves and for the entire municipality. The session was also covered by local media, by the newspaper "O Popular" of Goiás who presented a report on it in its issue dated of October 05, 2010. The organisers of the event were Divino Roberto Verissimo of OPA and Maria Rosa of the Education Secretary of Nerópolis, the teachers guiding the children's clubhouse of Nerópolis who mounted an exhibition of poems, pictures and drawings of children on the city in the lobby of the House. The event had an audience of 220 people.
Bangladesh	The Coalition for the Urban Poor has been formed with the guidance of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works of the Government of Bangladesh, and a group of Government and Non-Governmental organizations and activities chosen to celebrate this year's World Habitat Day. The Prime Minister will be the chief guest. A supplement highlighting the significance of the day in the Bangladesh context will be published in two Bengali and one English national dailies and talk shows hosted in the electronic media. A number of other public activities are also planned.
	CDC Bangladesh will organize a cultural event to celebrate World Habitat Day. The activities will include folk and classical dance.
	Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh teamed up with the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) and the local arm of the German development agency GTZ to commemorate the day with a roundtable forum. Papers were presented on the theme “Planning our Secondary Towns for Better Lives”. There was also an art exhibition entitled “Connecting” by Brazilian artist Cida Lima and Bangladeshi sculptor Anisuzzaman, an assistant professor of fine arts at Dhaka University, whose works reflect a construction theme. Other initiatives included the publication of a souvenir book and a media outreach plan.
	The Department of Real Estate, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, observed World Habitat Day jointly with United Nations Information Center (UNIC) and RUPANTAR (A Direct Partner of USAID working on climate change and sustainable housing issues in the country) on 4th October 2010 at University campus. As such, a Grand Rally and Seminar followed by a Cultural Program was organized.
Belgium	The European celebration on Monday 4 October highlighted the importance of partnership between the European Union and UN-HABITAT. The partnership is symbolised in part by new European funding to the tune of euros 10 million (USD 13.3 million) announced to help improve the living conditions of slum dwellers in all the 79 Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. The 2010 European celebration of World Habitat Day in Brussels was attended by senior European and Belgian officials. Gracing the occasion as guest of honour was Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mrs. Isabelle Durant, a Member of the Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly and Substitute Member in the European Parliament's Committee on Transport. She cited the importance of cities "at the heart of sustainable development". She also said there was a need to foster a better quality of life in cities through reducing the effects of climate change by adopting measures to lower energy and fuel consumption in urban areas, particularly carbon emissions by the transport sector in developed countries. Calling cities "the hot spots" of climate change, she advocated change in consumption habits, lifestyle and practices, concluding that cities must adopt good urban governance policies, remain active in exchanging good urban practices and most importantly - develop innovative models of urban mobility. Ms. Durant expressed her wish to continue cooperation with UN-HABITAT on these matters. Keynote speaker, Mr. Pierre Valette, from the European Commission's Research Directorate, delivered a presentation on the "World and European Cities - Insights from EU Research", a publication co-authored by his Directorate and UN-HABITAT - another symbol of the longstanding tradition of partnership between the agency and the EU's executive, the European Commission. Mr. Valette spoke about the European Commission's concept of Cities of Tomorrow and how to make them more sustainable and better places tin which to live in the face of contemporary urban and environmental challenges. Mr. Jean Bakole, Director of UN-HABITAT Representation Office to the European Union and Belgium, inaugurated the event and Ms. Afsane Bassir-Pour, Director of United nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC), presented the message of the United Nations Secretary General.
Botswana	The Department of Housing under the Ministry of Lands and Housing in Botswana will be commemorating this year's World Habitat Day on October 4 in Malotwana Village, Kgatleng District. Other districts have also been encouraged to commemorate the day in their various locations so that people at the grassroots are involved. Activities will include; national visual artworks competition based on the theme for secondary schools, tertiary students and the general public. The closing date for the competition is 17 September 2010. The winners will be awarded prizes at the ceremony. Other competitions like performing arts and essay competitions will be done at the local level. A slot has also been reserved on the morning of October 4 for the broadcast of the Minister of Lands and Housing's speech. A cycling event will be held at Malotwane village on the eve of the event as part of the campaign to encourage use of non-motorised transport and exercise. It is hoped that this will create a buzz before the main event. Every effort is being made to encourage the villagers and the nation at large to participate. During the event, companies/ Government Departments/ Ministries that are relevant to the theme will showcase their products and/or services. A march will be held on the morning of October 4 to mark the event. Activities planned for the day include choral music, traditional dance and poetry based on the theme; tour of projects relevant to the theme; lots of food and drink for the public.
Burkina Faso	Burkina Faso joined the international community in celebrating the World Habitat Day in the municipality of Loumbila. Under the theme of public private partnership, was the launch of production of 1000 social housing units with urban development partners (public and private urban and housing professional, technical and financial partner, NGOs, associations, and representatives of various type of population (women, young, customary leaders, religious leaders, etc). The event was chaired by Mr. Vincent T. Dabilgou, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, the ceremony was placed under the sponsorship of Minister of territorial administration and decentralization. The Minister of infrastructure was also present.
Cambodia	Habitat for Humanity Cambodia mobilized over 150 local volunteers to work on its “Hard Hat Days” builds. Volunteer teams came from Pannasastra University, Logos and Northbridge International Schools, ANZ Royal Bank and TWR Radio Cambodia. The celebrations culminated with a special house dedication at the New Holistic Hope Community in Oudong, Kandal province, as well as the construction of the first house of its newest project, “Enhancing HIV/OAC Programs with Holistic Housing Solutions” in Sen Sok community.
Cameroon	Concerned Minds for Habitation Securities (COMIHAS) will celebrate World Habitat Day by organizing a choral singing competition on the theme Better City, Better Life. The competition is geared at raising awareness on habitat issues in Cameroon and the world. The World Habitat Day activities will start with a TV talk show on Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) on 30 September, where the Executive Director of COMIHAS will be the guest. For the main celebration on 4 October, COMIHAS has planned two activities; a joint communal work with Habitat for Humanity Cameroon office at the low cost housing project site, situated at "mile 14 Dibanda" Fako Division, and a Choral singing competition which will be held at the South West Regional headquarters of Buea.
	Habitat for Humanity Cameroon will commemorate the World Habitat Day in Yaounde through the media to raise awareness and stimulate debate on the important theme, Better Cities, Better Life. The initiative will involve the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, in partnership local NGOs dealing in social housing in Cameroon for instance CONGEH (Coalition des ONG et OCB du Cameroun oeuvrant dans le domaine des Etablissements Humains), CIAH (Collectif Inter-Africain des Habitants) and ENSP (Ecole Nationale Supérieure Polytechnique). The activities will be on September 30 and October 2, ahead of the World Habitat Day main celebration on October 4.
	Habitat for Humanity Cameroon participated in a national radio and television debate on social housing policy with other housing organizations and partners. They also hosted a build day on Saturday 2 October.
	Habitat for Humanity Cameroon on 29 September contacted journalists of various press organs (“COM. News” and “Integrations”) in order to give them information to publish about the contribution of Habitat for Humanity Cameroon in the fight against poverty housing in Cameroon. On 30 September, the RD&C Officer of HFH Cameroon, Guidioni Lowé took part at the Cameroon Radio and Television debate, on the Social housing policy in Cameroon with other housing organizations and partners .On the same day, in association with the other social housing organisations and the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, the local NGO named CONGEH (Coalition des ONG et OCB du Cameroun oeuvrant dans le domaine des Etablissements Humains), CIAH (Collectif Inter-Africain des Habitants), ENSP (Ecole Nationale Supérieure Polytechnique) and Habitat for Humanity Cameroon, organised a conference debate/Workshop on the theme of this year 2010: “Better City, Better Life” in Yaoundé.
	On 2 October in Yaoundé, Investment day with the beneficiaries, the staff of Congeh’s, CIAH and Habitat for Humanity Cameroon in the locality of Nyomo, 15 kilometres from the city of Yaounde. The different actors have the project to build 500 houses on this site for the vulnerable people in need of decent shelters in Yaounde. On 4 October, Guidioni Lowé, the RD&C Officer of HfHC was interviewed by the Communication Unit of the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing of Cameroon on the contribution of HFHC in the fight against poverty housing in Cameroon. This interview was aired on the same day on the National Radio.
Canada	The City of Toronto will mark World Habitat Day at the Toronto City Hall on Tuesday, October 5, by signing of the City of Toronto's new Housing Charter. This special event will be presided over by Mayor David Miller, and Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti, Chair, Affordable Housing Committee.
	The Toronto Housing Charter – Opportunity for All, the first in Canada, is a key part of Housing Opportunities Toronto—An Affordable Housing Action Plan 2010-2020, passed by the City Council on August 5, 2009. The Charter is designed to guide City Council and staff in their efforts to assist those who often face challenges finding affordable housing, from newcomers and single parents to seniors and those with disabilities. It states that all residents have the right to equal treatment in housing without discrimination as provided by the Ontario Human Rights Code.
	In addition, the event will also honour Toronto's Home Ownership Alternatives for being one of nine world-wide finalists for the UN's 2008-2009 World Habitat Awards. The City's affordable housing partners from the private and non-profit sectors and other governments, as well as other stakeholders and City staff will be on hand for the event.
	Habitat for Humanity in Montreal promotes World Habitat Day at a block party in the Habitat for Humanity store in Montreal.
	The Home Ownership Alternatives will organize a cocktail reception in recognition of the World Habitat Day and to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing in Toronto and Ontario. The event will be at the Enoch Turner School House, Toronto on 4 October between 5:00 pm - 7.00pm.
	The University of British Columbia Okanagan will hold its annual Urban Forum for Sustainability in collaboration with the local municipal government on World Habitat Day. Activities will include a panel discussion with academics and community stakeholders on campus, a mini-conference opened to graduate students from Western Canada, a public lecture open to the community and a photography or art contest involving the Faculty of Fine Arts.
	The City of Toronto proclaimed World Habitat Day with a flag-raising on the new green roof at Toronto City Hall. Habitat for Humanity Toronto co-sponsored the event with the City and its international flag was raised. The day also saw the signing of the City of Toronto’s new Housing Charter - to help the most vulnerable to find affordable housing.
	Habitat for Humanity Toronto commemorated World Habitat Day to raise awareness of the affordable housing need. HFH Toronto held several events on October 4th, 2010 focused on raising the awareness of the need of affordable housing in Toronto, Canada and around the world. The charity urged Torontonians to join them in commemorating World Habitat Day 2010 and advocating for affordable housing in the city.. In observance of the day, W. Edmund Clark, President and CEO of TD Bank Financial Group, opened trading on Toronto Stock Exchange on behalf of Habitat for Humanity Toronto and was be joined by Habitat Toronto homeowners, volunteers, partners and staff.
	The city of Toronto proclaimed World Habitat Day with a flag-raising on the new green roof at Toronto City Hall. Habitat for Humanity Toronto co-sponsored the event with the City.
Cape Verde	The Ministry of Habitat, MDHOT and UN-HABITAT organized a debate: "Um Habitat Humanizado", a Humanized Habitat address to university students and architects and engeneers, social workers in order to sensitize the different actors on the importance of the theme Better City, Better Life campaign. The Resident Coordinator made a presentation of UN-HABITAT activities in Cape Verde. Two specialists from Portugal presented and debated the theme Humanized Habitat in Cape Verde. Around 50 participants attended to the 2 hours conference at the University Piaget. Please visit the following links for the news and some pictures: http://www.rtc.cv/tcv/index.php?paginas=40&id_cod=6586&data=2010-10-04 http://www.rtc.cv/index.php?paginas=21&id_cod=1505 http://picasaweb.google.com/UNJO.CapeVerde/WorldHabitatDayJeanPiagetUniversity The second activity for the celebration consisted in the diffusion of 6 television spots on the campaign Better City, Better Life, currently being diffused in the public television 3 times a day untill the 21 of November. www.rtc.cv/master_6_spot_ONU_HABITAT.mpg
China	The Global Observance of World Habitat Day this year will be held at the Shanghai World Expo 2010. Hosted by China's Ministry of Housing and Urban Rural Development and the Shanghai Municipal Government, the celebration of World Habitat Day will be a major concluding highlight of the Expo at which the United Nations has its own pavilion.
	The global celebration of World Habitat Day was celebrated with fanfare on as China and UN-HABITAT feted the 2010 winners of Scroll of Honour Awards, the World Habitat Awards and China's own Habitat Environment awards. With the Expo theme 'Better city, Better life', also chosen for to mark World Habitat Day, the highly publicised 2010 observance highlighted the actions and policies which can improve wellbeing for the millions and millions of people languishing in urban slums and other sub-standard housing around the world. In keynote addresses the main hosts on Monday, Mr. Shen Jun, Deputy Mayor of Shanghai, and Mr. Qi Ji, Deputy Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Developed both highlighted the progress China had made in providing as much housing as possible for those in need of shelter over the past 30 years. Addressing an audience that included several African mayors, both also offered to share the country's wisdom and know-how in housing policy with other developing countries around the world. Ambassador Inga Björk-Klevby, Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and Officer in Charge of UN-HABITAT, thanked the Chinese authorities in her keynote address for hosting the celebrations, and she also paid a special word of tribute to Dr. Behnam for making the UN pavilion such a success.
	Habitat for Humanity China's Hong Kong office designed a special polo T-shirt signed by two of their celebrity volunteers – actors Karen Mok and Daniel Wu. For a HK$100 (US$13) donation, caring companies associated with home design, furnishings and appliances received a shirt .Habitat also launched a school competition to educate and advocate for decent shelter.
	In Hong Kong, Habitat for Humanity China invited students from 1,500 primary and secondary schools to take part in a house design competition. Students were encouraged to visit HFH China's Tai O House Restoration Project and then submit their own design for a house built on stilts, like those in Tai O. The winning entries were showcased in a public exhibition in early 2011. In Shanghai, a series of Habitat builds will be organized in the Pinghu community outside the city.
Colombia	The University in Bogotá is organizing a students workshop to commemorate World Habitat Day. The workshop will last for three days (30 sept, 1 and 4 october) and it aims at creating a space for students, organized by groups, to answer one of six questions around how cities use public spaces, our identity as urban dwellers, the meaning of wealth, the use of free time and consumptions patterns. Written and visual material will be produced during the event.
	The University of Colombia in Antioquia hosted the Habitat month. acivities included lectures and an international workshop. The American Biennial of Architecture and Urban Planning event was also hosted at the University.
	For the celebration of the World Habitat Day 2010, UN-HABITAT’s National Office in Colombia had these activities: On 31 September Tree Planting and Stand Up for MDG 7 at the El Tunal Park. Partners included Botanical Garden, United Nations Volunteers and Habitat for Humanity. On 1 October, the Safer Cities for Women March in the Candelaria (Bogota´s historic district) with the Woman and Habitat Network held the Safer Cities for Women Dialogue with Bogota´s Mayor, UNIFEM and and the Woman and Habitat Network, at the Historic Urban Heritage Institute. On 30 September and 1 -4 October, the ‘Dreams inspire the future of cities. Cities in 2030’ event was held in partnership with the University of Rosario. The highlight of the activities was on 4 October with the National Habitat Committee Seminar at UNDP Colombia. The subject was ‘Contributions for the new housing and urban development national policy’On 5 October, two dialogues, Dialogue on National and Local Housing Improvement Policies, in Kairos and Interlocal Forum of the Youth Violence Prevention Platform at the Familia Ayara Foundation Hill were held. The partners included Planning National Department (DNP), Habitat Secretary of Bogota and Decent Housing Alliance (NGOs) and Government Secretary of Bogota’s Mayor and Urban Youth Platform.
	The School of Habitat, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellin Branch, celebrated World Habitat Day by organizing a Seminar on Sustaniable Habitat . This has been a tradition since 2008. In that year, the presentation of six books produced by the Master Programme in Habitat students who had a "meritory" distincion in their thesis, and by three of the School's proffessors presenting published research results. These activities were linked to the OPEN CITY event of Medellin city government, which also makes part of the International Architecture Biennale. The central event of this week were the dissertations of Dr. Roberto Fernandez of Universidad de la Plata in Argentina
Cuba	On 1 September 2010 the World Habitat Day "Better Cities Better Life" National Contest was launched. This involved children and youth from the educational system of Cuba and communitarian projects. The contest is about how citizens can contribute for a better city and a better life.
	Provincial governments of La Habana, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Holguín and Bayamo will organize a workshop on "Developing Better Cities" in the five provinces. This activity also supports the 100 cities initiative, and will be held on 29 – 30 September.
	There will be a National promotion of the World Habitat Day in Cuba by the Habitat National Committee from 4 September to 4 October. The promotion is through mass media, radio, TV, with a focus on Local Agenda 21 teams.
	On 4 October the People's National Assembly, local governments, Habitat National Committee Ministries and Institutions linked to Habitat issues, International Agencies of Cooperation and NGOs in Cuba will celebrate.
	On 7 October the WHO Collaborative Center of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology and members of the Halthy Shelter network will organize an international seminar on Healthy Shelter at NIHE and the city of La Habana.
Dominican Republic	Dominican Republic will have two events for WHD celebrations. The first one will take place on Saturday October 2 where 15 people from the national media will volunteer their time and work on home repair in an urban slum named El Bagazo, located in Haina, near Santo Domingo. The event seeks to build awareness among important media representatives. The second event is named “Ecoart in my Community” and will be carried out by Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Centro León, an important cultural center of the Dominican Republic. This event seeks to build awareness among community members about environmental protection of their own environment.
Dominican Republic	Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic had the following activities for World Habitat Day: 1. Voluntary Work Day: As part of Habitat’s advocacy efforts for WHD, fifteen volunteers from the national media were invited to work as volunteers on a day of home repair in an urban slum named El Bagazo, located in Haina, near Santo Domingo. The event sought to build awareness among important media representatives. 2. The event named “Ecoart in my Community” was carried out by Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Centro León, an important cultural center of the Dominican Republic. This event aimed to build awareness among community members about environmental protection of their own environment. By applying the tools of public art, it promotes collective participation of the people from the community involved, and stimulates critical dialogue and reflection on the care and cleanliness of the environment they inhabit.
Eritrea	To use the 2010 World Habitat Day as opportunity to highlight key human settlement issues the UN-HABITAT Office in Eritrea called upon the Government of Eritrea to organize activities to raise awareness on urban safety and security under this year’s theme “Better City Better Life”. The Ministry of Public Works of the Government of Eritrea, the focal Ministry to UN-HABITAT, agreed to the proposal of putting banners in the main avenues of the Capital and disseminating message of the Executive Director of UN-HABITAT to relevant ministries, civil societies and public libraries. Consequently, to commemorate the day and raise public awareness banners bearing the theme were prepared and displayed in three main avenues of the capital city .
Ethiopia	Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia celebrated the day with two Global Village teams in the two affiliates Jima and Debre Markos.
Germany	The University of Leipzig will organize a half-day poster exhibition on the World Habitat Day and the important theme Better City, Better Life, at the Institute of Geography.
Ghana	World Habitat Day in Kumasi: On 4 October the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, will celebrate World Habitat Day in Kumasi. The national forum will bring together various stakeholders including government ministers as well as NGO and UN representatives. Target audience includes disadvantaged slum residents and other stakeholders drawn from various sectors of the community. Activities slated for the celebration include Essay and Debate Competitions for selected Secondary Schools, visit to Slum community, Urban Development Project Sites, Talk Shop/Seminar, exhibitions and awards.
	Habitat for humanity in Ghana: As a preparation towards WHD cerebration, Habitat for humanity featured a workshop focusing on institutional arrangements in urban governance. This makes it possible to draw out general propositions on the opportunities and limitations of such new institutional arrangements in transforming the quality of life for ordinary citizens in urban areas, the reduction of poverty, and the extension of participation and democratic citizenship. The development of Habitat for humanity projects in the Ghana; exhibits detailing Ghana's overall growth plan and speech by CEO by Habitat for humanity.
	Awareness on Urban Housing Situation: Mr Agyeman's award winning Journalist of the year with documentary entitled: "Shelter in the City", which focused on the plight of female head potters (popularly known as 'Kayayei'), who sleep in the night in front of stores, supermarkets, in uncompleted buildings and other unsecured structures at the mercy of the weather will use this piece to highlight issues of human settlements in the country and urban housing situation in Ghana. It was shown during the Word Urban Forum 5 event. A copy was sent to the Information Services Section in UNHABITAT, Nairobi.
	Housing the Masses programme : Housing the Masses, an NGO which is helping the Low-Income Housing/ Community Development Project in Yendi in collaboration UNHABITAT and UNDP, Slum Inventory Pilot project and others will commence a, post-UN World Habitat Day event that involved the construction and launch of a model house for Low-Income Housing/ Community.
	Habitat for Humanity Ghana adopted the Habitat for Humanity International’s question theme of “What will you build” to draw signatures in Ghana as a basis to engage the government in a dialogue on coming up with a finalized housing policy.
	The Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development celebrated World Habitat Day in Kumasi. Activities planned for the event were; durbar, exhibition and round table discussions.
Habitat for Humanity Asia-Pacific region	In the virtual realm, an online T-shirt design competition on the theme Hard Hats for Habitat was launched on World Habitat Day. Habitat supporters across the Asia-Pacific were be invited to design a T-shirt which declares to their friends and the wider community that they want to help someone in need of decent shelter to have a better home. The T-shirt designs were uploaded on to a website to see which is the most popular. The T-shirt with the most number of votes will be produced by Habitat for Humanity to help raise awareness, support and funds for the mission. The winner will also receive several of such limited-edition T-shirts to give away to friends and family.
Haiti	Réseau Haïtien d’Habitat Salubre and United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) on the occasion of World Habitat Day 2010 organized a talk about reconstruction, at the Hotel Le Plaza, Port-au-Prince, on Monday, October 4, 2010, from 10:00 am to noon, in the presence of several government ministers. This activity was marked by three presentations entitled "Where goes Port-au-Prince? Between the dream and reality", "The reconstruction of the districts with the communities", "Reconstruction for whom and by whom". There were also animated exchanges following these talks. UN-Habitat, the Réseau Haïtien d’Habitat Salubre and the UNFPA presented to the general public and participants in particular a number of initiatives and activities related to post-earthquake reconstruction and that would rebuild better cities and neighborhoods to improve the living conditions of the population
India	Architectural Engineering Division of The Institution of Engineers, West Bengal State Centre, India will organise an all India Seminar on "Better City Better Life" on 4th and 5th October, 2010 at Kolkata, India. Mayor Shovan Chatterjee of the city of Kolkata is the Chief Patron of the event. The sub themes of the seminar are Better Environment, Better Transportation, Better Administration, Better Safety, Better Culture, Better Water & Sanitation, Better Development Planning.
	The Krityandand UNESCO Club of Jamshedpur in India has lined up various activities to mark this year's WHD. On the cards include a conference on 4 October 2010, on the theme "Ensure our Natural Environment". The club will also organise a field visit program on the theme how the industries are damaging our natural forest and misusing the local river water. The events will be at the Krityandand UNESCO Club in Jamshedpur.
	Bridge to India organizes a World Habitat Day event with decision makers and activists who are working in the field of urban planning, mobility, sustainability and energy supply in the megacity of Delhi. The forum will be to discuss further ways of acting towards a sustainable future of mega urban cities like Delhi.
	The Government of Rajasthan in India has plans to celebrate World Habitat Day in Jaipur on October 4. The planned events will include a seminar, an exhibition and street plays. The co-organisers include IHCN-F.
	The Government of India will organize a national World Habitat Day celebration in Delhi.
	The Government of Andhra Pradesh organizes a local awareness raising event on 4 October in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The event will involve other organisations to take up activities on the proposed theme "Better City, Better life".
	The Osmania Medical College will mark the World Habitat Day with a roundtable discussion on the theme Better City, Better Life' at Seminar Hall, Osmania Medical College, Koti, Andhra Pradesh.
	The Gujarat State Centre of the Institution of Engineers will organize activities to celebrate the World Habitat Day.
	The City Managers Association Orissa will organize an awareness programme on Urban Issues under the theme Better Cities, Better Life to raise awareness amongst the people living in cities in Orissa. The initiative will involve the participation of Urban Planners, Mayors, Engineers, Academics among other professions.
	Habitat for Humanity – India invites the public to the "Fun 'n Fundraiser" at High Street Phoenix Mall, Mumbai, from 29 September to 3 October. The five-day event will culminate with celebrations on the eve of World Habitat Day. For more details please contact info@hfhindia.org
	The Urban Planning and Design at Groupe SCE India will, as part of the World Habitat Day, conduct a locality based design exhibition to demonstrate the principles of sustainable urban design for strong neighbourhoods, in Bangalore.
	The Institute for Regional Development Studies at Kanpur will hold an expert group forum for spreading the message of World Habitat Day and also to discuss various problems related to development of urban settlements. The participants will be university level scholars, faculty members of technological institutions, planners, architects and other social workers.
	The Institution of Engineers has planned to celebrate World Habitat Day 2010 in its premises in Jammu, India.
	The Local Governance Network in Bhubaneswar will organize a round table workshop to raise awareness amongst the cities, with a focus on Climate Change, Good Governance, Heritage & Culture and Urban Mobility. The activities will include a Photo Exhibition focusing on the Better Cities, Better Life theme. Participants representing 35 cities are expected to attend.
	The Center for Housing and Urbanization hosts the first 'South India Green' conference in Chennai. The conference will create and sustain a dialogue for sustainable development in India
	The Faculty of Architecture, Integral University, Lucknow will organize a World Habitat Day quiz, poster and collage making competition on a topic related to this year's theme, better city better life on 1 October, and the prizes given on 4 October.
	Centre for Urban Studies, AMR – APARD, celebrated the World Habitat Day on 4th October in the pearl city of Hyderabad. Various competitions were conducted for the students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, NIRD Campus and School of Planning and Architecture of Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad. Nearly 450 students participated in these competitions which included 1) Poster Design depicting a city, 2) Painting, 3) Elocution and 4) Essay writing. On 4th October at 3.00 P.M. main function was organized in the auditorium of AMR – APARD, where in Prof.P.Padmavathi, Vice Chancellor of JNAFAU, Hyderabad delivered the world Those who secured first place in the competition were given the T Shirts sent by UN Habitat and a group photo was taken with them. Prof.Raghunadha Reddy briefed the gathering as to how the events were conducted and thanked all those people who have actively supported the event.
	Centre for Urban Studies, AMR – APARD, Government of A.P., Hyderabad, India, along with a Chennai based NGO, ‘Future Bridge Foundation’ which is working in the area of empowering underprivileged urban youth organized competitions on the theme "How we can make Chennai a better city" for the students of Sacred Heart Girls High School’, Chennai. Competitions were held in the following categories: 1.Drawing Competition, 2.Essay Writing Competition, and 3.Elocution Competition. Krishna Battula, Regional Manager, Coal India Ltd who founded the NGO coordinated the event. Sr.Celine, Principal of the school gave her complete support and encouraged everyone to make this event a big success. All the staff and teachers participated in the event with a lot of enthusiasm and thanked AMR-APARD and UN-HABITAT for the opportunity provided.
	Habitat for Humanity India hosted a series of events at a popular mall in Mumbai which sees on the average 40,000 shoppers a day. Part fund-raiser, part awareness-building, the activity invited shoppers to donate toward the purchase of bricks, roof tiles, windows and doors for the building of a model Habitat home. Shoppers were photographed wearing hard hats as they add a piece to complete the construction of the model home.
	Habitat for Humanity India invited shoppers at a popular mall in Mumbai to donate toward the purchase of bricks, roof tiles, windows or door to build a model house.
	The Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation in India organized an event where Kumari Selja, Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and the Minister of Tourism delivered the World Habitat Day address on the occasion. Secretaries in the States / UTs dealing with Housing and Human Settlement, Mayors / Municipal Commissioners of 63 Mission Cities and other Dignitaries attended the celebrations.
	The BMS College of Engineering Auditorium celebrated World Habitat Day in Bangalore India. Photos taken on the unique occasion can be found at the following link. http://www1.snapfish.in/snapfishin/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=3094622017/a=143867311_143867311/
	Nagaland state joined the rest of the world in observing World Habitat Day, under the theme ‘Better City, Better Life’ at Chaü Parking with minister for urban development and Higher & Technical Education, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsü gracing the occasion as the chief guest. Speaking at the occasion, the Minister called for greater and concerted efforts to sustain and develop the ‘symbiotic relationship’ of men and space, men and the land he lives in. As part of the day’s programme, 25 buses under the initiative, Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) of the ministry of urban development were added. Winners of an essay competition were awarded prizes on this occasion.
	Green Succession of Nagaland State (Green-Sons) celebrated World Habitat Day celebrations in Dimapur on 4 October. The event was held at the Imliyanger Memorial Centre.The Chairman of Green-Sons, T. Murry urged students who attended the programme to spread awareness among their friends. “Reach out to fellows to take part in such campaigns so that our efforts are beneficial for all,” he advised. The programme was graced by chairman of Nagaland Pollution Control Board, A Rongsenwati as chief guest.
	The University of Madras and Centre for Development Finance affiliated to IFMR organized the inaugural session of the World Habitat Day, graced by, Minister for Information and Urban Development Parithi Illamvazhuthi. The Minister spoke about the need to implement policies more effectively and usher in more transparency in the processes. G. Thiruvasagam, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Madras stressed the need to involve the society, especially youngsters in improving living conditions in cities. British Deputy High Commissioner Mike Nithavrianakis talked about the need to embark on a path to sustainable development by addressing concerns such as climate change and rapid urbanisation. Citing the event as an opportunity to reflect on the condition of our cities, retired IAS officer P.M. Belliappa said that it was time to remind ourselves of the collective responsibility to improve our habitat. He highlighted the importance of involving the community in preserving cultural artefacts and the monuments that served as historical reminiscences. At the function, www.Transparentchennai.com, an interactive website that provides useful information about the city was launched. Apart from details of major projects like flyovers and buildings, slums, bus routes, public toilets, the website has the contact details of elected representatives. Citizens interested in mapping their own information will be provided guidance, feedback and resources, said Nithya Raman, project head, Transparent Chennai. “The initiative will enable the citizens to understand the city better, know where things went wrong, seek accountability,” she added.
	Dr A Ravindra, advisor to the chief minister on urban affairs, called for a halt to free parking facilities in most parts of the city. He was speaking at a seminar on ‘Better City, Better Life’, organised on the occasion of World Habitat Day by architecture students of BMS College of Engineering. Panelists at the event also included Ragini Narayan, trustee of BMS Education Trust; Vijay Gore, former additional chief secretary and Dr Eswaran Subrahmanian, chief scientist of CSTEP who spoke on how to build cities under the guidelines of the UN. Ravindra said that he had suggested the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to stop offering individual sites in the new layouts. Ravindra stressed the need to renovate old areas to protect heritage structures. Illustrating photographs taken from Shanghai, Dr. Subrahmanian explained the relevance of developing city infrastructure in a comprehensive way. Experts suggested the students to think independently and re-look at the infrastructure in cities.
	Costford organized a World Habitat Day event on 4 October in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State, India. Among the invited guests was the poet Sugathakumari.
	The Dept of planning, School of Architecture and Planning Anna University Chennai in association with the Centre for Technology Development Transfer, Anna University, Chennai and the Indian Institute of Architects, Tamil Nadu Chapter organized an essay Competition for Architecture and Planning Students dubbed “Building Better Cities-Way Out”. The inaugural function was attended by 100 students of Architecture and Planning for SAP Campus and Professional town planners and architects, academic and non teaching staff from the University.
Indonesia	On 4 October the Ministry of Housing held a press conference to explain about this year's theme and activities, and launch a photo exhibition on urban issues and paintings of children's drawing competition. The highlight of the celebration was on October 18. The Minister for Housing, Suharso Monoarfa launched two books on housing and urban development in Indonesia.
	A series of seminars and discussions were organized around the theme Better City Better Life. On September 30 the Ministry of Housing held a seminar on 'Better City, Better Life - creating a humane and sustainable city', inviting mayors from three cities that ranked highest in the Indonesian Association of Planner's (IAP) survey of Most Liveable CIties in Indonesia: Yogyakarta, Manado and Palembang. On October 19-20, the Directorate General of Spatial Planning, Ministry of Public Works, IAP, the French Government and UN-Habitat organized a seminar on “South East Asia Metropolises and Urbanisation: Challenges and Tools in the Context of Climate Change”. The seminar brought together planners, researchers and local governments to discuss climate change and create a network that is more responsive towards climate change and participate in 100 cities initiatives. The Directorate General of Human Settlements, Ministry of Public Works held a seminar on 'Building Collective Responsible for a Quality City' on October 26 and another seminar on 'Creating Better Buildings and Spaces for Better Life' on OCtober 28.
	The Ministry of Public Works hosted the Sanitation Jamboree for middle-high school students and 3-R communities from October 12-27. The National Habitat Secretariat and the Institute of Technology hosted the Youth Urban Forum and invited university students to discuss urban issues and the role of youth in sustainable urbanization he. A media campaign to promote World Habitat Day and increase the public awareness on urban issues were aired on national radio, TV stations and newspapers/ magazines through-out October. A bycicle tour is organized was held where cyclists toured the main street of Jalan Jendral Sudirman and distribute promotional material on WHD to the public. Further information World Habitat Day activities in Indonesia can be accessed at www.habitat-indonesia.or.id
Iran	The Environment and Sustainable Development Office (ESDO) of Tehran Municipality celebrated World Habitat Day under the title of “Electronic Cities on the road to Better City, Better Life ”. The ESDO held its program under two categories: 1. Conference and Specialized Panels focusing on “Electronic Cities on the road to Better City, Better Life”; 3 0ctober 2010, and 2. Festival of “Better City, Better Life” for youth and children; 11-12 October 2010
Iraq	The Republic of Iraq will celebrate the World Habitat Day on 4 October at the ceremony to launch the National Housing Policy of Iraq. The policy has been prepared in cooperation with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT.
Iraq	The Ministry of Construction and Housing will be launching its National Housing Policy on World Habitat Day 2010. The Policy outlines Iraq's housing need, how the policy aims to respond to it, and the process of arriving at the policy. The UN-HABITAT Iraq Program is confident that this policy sets Iraq on course to begin to address its demands in the housing sector. The policy is built on thorough analysis of key thematic areas surrounding the housing sector; access to land, access to finance, housing production, building materials, infrastructure, housing management and maintenance and informal settlements, and has been developed through multi-stakeholder debates and working groups, supported by national and global experts over an 18-month period.
Israel	The Association of Environmental Justice in Israel (AEJI) will issue a special report about the Arab towns in Israel, depicting the Socio-Environmental Profile of the Arab towns in central Israel. The report will be issued on a public event, in October, with participation of the local inhabitants and decision makers, including member of the parliament.
Italy	CISL Taranto will celebrate World Habitat Day through an initiative developed in partnership with the Province and the CISL national, at the Enterprise Hall, Taranto. Invited guests include Mr. Julius Colecchi, General Secretary of CISL; Daniela Fumarola, General Secretary of CISL Taranto; Prof. Luigi Fusco Girard of the University of Naples and Dr. Salvatore Pisconti, Prof. Francis Marcaletti, Faculty of Sociology, Catholic University of St. Heart of Milan, Prof. Frederick Pirro, University of Bari, and an expert in economics and industrial history, Dr. John Florida, President of the Province of Taranto.
Italy	Oasi Zegna, an environmental improvement project by Zegna Group started in 1993, celebrated the World Habitat Day with outdoor educational activities for children. Having the education of the future generations as its main objective, Oasi Zegna proposes during the whole year, several educational activities, including celebrations on the occasion of some important anniversaries concerning environment. In 2010 Oasi Zegna is partner of 2010 IYB, corporate partner of Billion Tree Campaign and celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity and World Environment Day.
Jamaica	The Nationwide News Network plans to organize World Habitat Day awareness raising events in Kingston.
Jordan	Habitat for Humanity Jordan incorporated the celebrations into a function surrounding a Global Village team visiting the Al Taybeh community in the north of Jordan from 7 October 7 October.
Kenya	This year's national observance will be held at Afraha Stadium, in Nakuru. The Chief Guest is expected to be the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government, Mr. Musalia Mudavadi, other guests are the Minister for Housing, Mr. Soita Shitanda, Members of Parliament from the Nakuru region, other top government officials, the representative of the Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, Kenya's Permanent Representative to United Nations Office in Nairobi, and local leaders.
	KASWESHA is organizing a pre- World Habitat Day STAND-UP & TAKE Action event to take place ahead of the World Habitat Day celebrations on 4 October. The activities will take place in the Nairobi Eastlands area and Kariobangi South Estate.
	Kilele Foundation organized World Habitat Day celebrations in Kenya
	At the UN-HABITAT headquarters in Gigiri, Nairobi, World Habitat Day was observed by UN-HABITAT’ and other UN agencies’ staff members based in Nairobi. The event reminded staff of the goal of World Habitat Day, which is to reflect on the state of towns and cities and the basic right of all, to adequate shelter and to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat. There was a World Habitat Day themed skit and a musical performance by the Billian Music family from Mathare informal settlements. Other performances included traditional dances by Pillars of Kibera youth group, and a narrative on HIV Aids showing how a healthy city promotes better life. There were also speeches by UN-HABITAT senior staff, and an exhibition which was also a highlight of the celebration.
Korea	Habitat for Humanity – Korea holds World Habitat Day events in Seoul Plaza. The event will be to advocate the fundamental human right to adequate shelter. The activities will include among others, building a moving house.
Korea	Over in Seoul, Habitat for Humanity Korea had an extraordinary fashion show featuring hard hats, white shirts and jeans. “We at Habitat for Humanity hope that everyone who is concerned about decent housing joins a World Habitat Day activity to stand with others who want to make adequate housing a priority, to help build strong and healthy families and communities,” said Peter Gape, Habitat's director of regional programs, Asia-Pacific.
Kuwait	Arab Towns Organisation in cooperation with UN-HABITAT Kuwait will celebrate the World Habitat Day in October by organising its 15th General Assembly in Kuwait in which there will be four focus areas: Cities and Environment, Cities and Youth Knowledge, Cities and Heritage, cities and Information technology. The Assembly will be inaugurated by his highness the Prince of Kuwait and will be attended by 400 mayors from Arab towns. The conference will be addressing the above issues within this year's theme Better City, Better Life. The event will be hosted at Conference Hall at the Royal Prince Palace (Bayan Palace) and will begin on 2 October and end on 5 October 2010.
Lebanon	The Global Foundation for Human Rights plans week-long outreach activities in observance of the World Habitat Day. Activities to start on 30 September to 4 October will include an exhibition of arts & craft, street parade and indoor program. There will also be radio and TV talk shows and radio jingoes on the theme, Descent looks for our Cities& Towns in Post-War Liberia. The main celebration on 4 October will be at the Monrovia City Hall, 3rd Sinkor, Monrovia, starting at 8:00a.m. Activities will include a football tournament & essay competition among four high schools, culture, arts & craft exhibition, street parade and indoor program.
Lesotho	Habitat for Humanity, Lesotho has invited volunteers from six years and older for a fun day of outreach in honour of World Habitat Day 2010 on 9 October from 9.00a.m - 4.00 p.m. The activities will include house painting, plastering, and gardening at eight completed Habitat homes for vulnerable families, at Nazareth community, 40 minutes outside Maseru.
	The celebrations in Lesotho will be spearheaded by a partnership of Habitat for Humanity(Lesotho), World Vision and UN-HABITAT and will feature a service event on October 9, 2010. HFH Lesotho has mobilized over 200 volunteers to help vulnerable families renovate their homes in the Nazareth area. At the celebration, HFH Lesotho plans to officially “hand over” more than 150 Habitat homes to orphan-headed and vulnerable families. Volunteers and HFH Lesotho staff will work hand-in-hand to refurbish six Habitat homes. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) currently reside in these homes and will be present to partake in the day of community service. Renovation activities include: painting, plastering, gardening, tree planting, and other activities.
	Habitat for Humanity Lesotho hosted a family-friendly day of service, community and fun that included house painting, plastering, and gardening at eight completed Habitat homes for vulnerable families in Nazareth, 40 minutes outside of the capital city, to celebrate World Habitat Day 2010. Over 200 volunteers participated.
	In Lesotho the event was celebrated at Nazareth, about 16 kilometers east of the capital, Maseru. Organised by Habitat for Humanity – Lesotho, the event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Natural Resources, Monyane Moleleki and heads of diplomatic missions in Lesotho. Read more
Liberia	The Global Foundation for Human Rights plans week-long outreach activities in observance of the World Habitat Day. Activities to start on 30 September to 4 October will include an exhibition of arts & craft, street parade and indoor program. There will also be radio and TV talk shows and radio jingoes on the theme, Descent looks for our Cities& Towns in Post-War Liberia. The main celebration on 4 October will be at the Monrovia City Hall, 3rd Sinkor, Monrovia, starting at 8:00a.m. Activities will include a football tournament & essay competition among four high schools, culture, arts & craft exhibition, street parade and indoor program.
Liberia	World Habitat Day celebration in Liberia was observed at the Municipal Town Hall of Paynesville City in an effort to increase the level of sensitization and awareness about UN-HABITAT normative and operational activities in Liberia. Participants included local authorities, citizens, residents and students of the city as well as a cross section of the leadership and members of both the Slum Dwellers Association of Liberia and the Women Land Access Trust of Liberia. Apart from the formal readings of the Secretary General’s and the Executive Director’s messages, the Key note speaker, Amadou Kiawu, Deputy Minister for Urban Affairs at the Ministry of Internal Affairs reflected on the progress Liberia had made over the years since UN-HABITAT was founded and urged the participants to take the message of the need for the development of sustainable human settlements in Liberia. The first meeting between the Slum Dwellers Association and the Women Land Access Trust took place in an effort the chart the way forward in addressing challenges inhabitants in the various slum communities face including the problems of access and security of tenure. Additionally, the Proclamation of the President of Liberia read in the print and electronic media in observance of the day called on all public and private entities including individuals to undertake initiatives befitting the day and declared the day a working holiday. On the heels of the observance of WHD, the Land Commission with support from UN-HABITAT and the Norwegian Refugee Committee held a National Urban Conference at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex from 6 -8 October under the theme: Managing the Urban Interface, Strategies and tools for sustainable urban land administration, management and development. Among the many resolutions adopted by the participants at the Conference was that the Land Commission holds an annual urban forum.
Malaysia	The Ministry of Housing and Local Government of Malaysia had a publication entitled Habitat Magazine in commemoration of World Habitat Day.
Malawi	Habitat for Humanity Malawi participated alongside the Ministry of Lands and Urban Housing using UN-HABITAT’s theme of “Better City, Better Life”. The event took place on Monday, 4 October in the Northern Region Karonga District
Malawi	The 2010 World Habitat Day in Malawi was commemorated in the northern border town of Karonga on 4 October. It was presided over by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Hon John Bande. The day was marked by traditional dances, drama, exhibitions and speeches by the District Commissioner, traditional chief, the Member of Parliament, UN-HABITAT and the Minister. The day was also marked by a tour of the town to appreciate the rebuilding efforts and the urban planning and development challenges the town is facing. On the eve of the day a public debate on the theme was broadcast live on Zodiak Broadcasting Station from Karonga Teachers’ Training College. In the two weeks leading up to the day, Chief Executives of all the cities held a press conference at which they explained the work of the city councils and the challenges they face in building better cities and better lives for all who live and work in them. The events were organized by the Malawi Government in partnership with UN-HABITAT and many others including city councils, statutory corporations, NGOs and civil society.
Mongolia	Habitat for Humanity Mongolia celebrated World Habitat Day with the dedication of 52 houses in Ulaanbaatar, Khangai, Erdenet and Darkhan. The Habitat team in Ulaanbaatar said “thank you” to students from a local technical college who volunteered at the recent Blue Sky international blitz build. The Khangai program team highlighted the need for decent housing among local NGOs, churches, the media, governors and government representatives.
Mongolia	The Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) celebrated the World Habitat Day in three areas: 1. In Uvurkhangai province, the Community Saving Groups (CSG) and Community Development Fund (CDF) had essay competitions and paintings, exhibition between local people. The theme was "My ger and my street", and was held on 2nd of October, 2010.. 2. In Khan-Uul district, 5th khoroo, in Ulaanbaatar, CSGs held an opening ceremony of a "Senior's park", on the 1st of October. This event involved people from the grassroots, CSGs members, and representatives from the Municipality and media. 3. In Darkhan city, CSGs had a debate on the housing issue and how to improve their lives, houses, streets and so on.
Mozambique	In a bid to raise awareness about disaster mitigation and awareness, the UN-HABITAT team in Maputo, Mozambique, held a special World Habitat Day event with the country's National Institute for Disaster Management in the very zone where floods brought on by heavy rains have struck in recent years with devastating impact. Mutarara village is concealed between a low level area where two major rivers meet, namely the Zambezi River in the southwest and the Chire in the northeast limit. As heavy rains and discharges from the Cahora Bassa dam upstream the Zambezi are expected, people are working hard to ensure that they have an elevated place of refugee while they wait for expected flood waters to subside. The platform, which once finished will house 3 classrooms in its top, is part of a strategy advocated by UN-HABITAT through its governmental partner INGC - the National Institute for Disasters Management of Mozambique - aiming to assist communities in living with floods. Even in remote areas, people are being taught how to change their attitude, their city or their village, striving for a better life. See also this website
Nepal	During Habitat for Humanity Nepal's Everest Build, about 700 international and Nepali volunteers were invited to display their national flags and declare that they are committed to the mission of elimination of poverty housing. Government and local UN-Habitat representatives participated.
	Nepal International Consumers Union observed World Habitat Day through Radio Programs, Workshops amongst local community, Print media. They also supplied free drinking water to schools on 5 October.
	The Urban Development and Building Construction Department, in Kathmandu celebrated World Habitat Day on 4 October by organising various programmes. The Urban Development and Building Construction Department organised a function where participants said that increase in migration and lack of education, health, drinking water and sanitation facilities have affected normal life. On the occasion, the State Minister for Physical Planning and Work Sanjaya Kumar Saha said political instability was the main reason of unorganised settlement. Assistant Minister for Physical Planning and Work Kalawati Paswan stressed for increasing awareness about the day among rural folks. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Works has been celebrating the Day in cooperation with other government and non-government organization working in the sector after the United Nations designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day since 1995.
New Zealand	The University of Auckland plans to organize a series of events on World Habitat Day this year and during the week that follows WHD. Activities will include a seminar, a photo competition and a few other activities on campus.
New Zealand	The University of Auckland organized a series of events on World Habitat Day this year and during the week that followed World Habitat Day. Read more..
Nicaragua	The city of Managua will hold a World Habitat Day activity at the Holiday Inn, Mombacho Salon where a Declaration for a Sustainable Habitat will be signed by Habitat Professionals Consultative Group in Nicaragua.
	The Habitat for Humanity in Nicaragua will join in on the World Habitat Day celebration and will inaugurate the itinerant photographic exhibition, rewarding the best exponents on the topics: A better city for a better life; and housing and health.
	The National Dialogue for Access to Serviced Land and Property Rights will organize a World Habitat Day event to promote the creation of a Permanent Forum for the Promotion of the Equitable Access to Suitable Housing. The event is organized by UN-HABITAT Nicaragua at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Managua.
	Movimiento Comunal Nicaragüense, Red de Vivienda, Central de Cooperativa de Vivienda has organized the second Community Congress for the Popular Housing Target, to check the commitments of the Plan of Fight realized during the first Congress for Popular Housing in 2009. The highlight will be to establish lines of action to carry out in 2011.
	UN-HABITAT Nicaragua and the Municipality of Managua have organized a forum to deliberate on "Equipment and Tools for the Modernization of Municipal Workshops." The target is to modernize municipal workshops of the Municipality of Managua in order to strengthen their capacity to maintain the fleet of vehicles assigned to the collection and transportation of solid waste. The event will take place at the Central Workshop of the Municipality of Managua
	The School of Architecture, Universidad Católica "Redemptoris Mater" has organized a "Congress for a Better World", to discuss various topics on environment protection The event will be at the Barcelo Montelimar Hotel in Montelimar Beach.
	Movimiento Comunal Nicaragüense in Nicaragua has mobilized the community to celebrate the World Habitat Day on "Building Cooperative Housing under the Law 677" by the National Government of Nicaragua. The event will be on 2 October at the Tiscapa Park.
	The Centro de Estudios y Promoción del Habitar-HABITAR has organized the Habitat Fair and Inauguration of the Environmental Risk Mitigation Works. The initiative will spread sustainable technologies to raise environmental standards in the popular neighborhoods of Managua and encourage public participation in the management of environmental risk. The event will take place at the Neighborhood Lomas de Guadalupe- District 7 in Managua.
Nigeria
	The Toris Schools organizes a road walk to sensitize the community on the need to keep the community clean and to promote a healthy environment. This campaign will actively involve the Toris School children who will also be guided to draw a master plan for a new city plan for Okearo community in Ogun State where the school is situated. The plan will contain features like a better road layout, bridges, hospitals, call centres, park, sports centre, the city mall and much more.
	With support from the Architecture Students Association, Habitat UNEC plans an awareness raising programme in and around the University of Nigeria and in its Enugu State community, to celebrate the World Habitat Day and this year's theme Better City Better Life. The programme will be advocating for sustainable urbanization.
	The National Union of Tenants of Nigeria will, in conjunction with the civil society organizations from all over Nigeria, commemorate this year's World Habitat Day at the Conference Hall of Federal Government Secretariat, Port Harcourt, to highlight the scale of unlawful forced eviction of families and wanton destruction of people's homes and lives by the Government of Rivers State. Invited to cover the occasion are local and international media. For more details about the event, send mail to: info.nutn@yahoo.com
	Fusion Nigeria – Nassarawa Centre observed the World Habitat Day at St. Paul’s Catholic Church Hall, in Nassarawa Community of Chikun LGA of Kaduna State Nigeria. Fusion Nigeria – Nassarawa Centre organized the event with the Support of the office of the Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church Nassarawa. The event was aimed at; Bringing the people of Nassarawa community together to reflect on the development of Nassarawa town; Joining Nassarawa Community in the Global Celebration; Raising Social Capital to the deal with issues that affects the community; Setting up a sustainable network to continue to respond to issues affecting Nassarawa community. The event was organized under the theme “Better Nassarawa, Better life”.
Occupied Palestinian territory	The Battir Village Council, with support of UN-HABITAT, organized a folklore festival in Battir Public Park under the theme "Better City, Better Life". Battir lies at the heart of the West Bank and is part of the broader urban region stretching from Bethlehem over Jerusalem to Ramallah. Schools in Battir are also held a drawing and writing competition. In East Jerusalem, a special session took place at the Rosary Sisters's High School, In the Gaza Strip, a wide variety of housing actors, came together in a three-day workshop, organised joinlty, by UN-HABITAT and the HABITAT partner University of Westminster (London, UK), to develop innovative approaches to the reconstruction and development of the Gaza strip, focusing on 'sustainable growth, greener houses and greener neighborhoods'.
Pakistan	The Pakistan Wetlands Programme had World Habitat Day activities to commemorate the Day in Pakistan. The Pakistan Wetlands Programme objective is to conserve the globally important wetlands biodiversity in Pakistan while alleviating poverty. It is a progressive initiative of the Federal Ministry of Environment and is being implemented by the World Wide Fund for Nature, Pakistan (WWF-P). It is funded by consortium of national and international donors including, the Global Environment Facility(GEF), United Nations Development Programme(UNDP),Embassy of Kingdom of Royal Netherlands (EKN),WWF-Network.
Philippines	The Butter N Toast Toastmasters Club in Makati City marks this year's World Habitat Day through presentations and speeches on this year's World Habitat Day theme, Better City, Better Life. The initiative will engage the Toastmasters in a speech and discussion session on City Life in the Philippines, and in other parts of the world, and is aimed at advocating for a Better Life. The event will be held in Makati City, Philippines on 14 October 2010
	The Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) in the Philippines, through the North Luzon Operations Group plans to participate in this year's propagation of the theme Better City, Better Life, through information dissemination campaigns during office flag ceremonies, various fora with employers, developers, and other key partners in the housing finance industry, and other multi-media engagements.
	Habitat for Humanity Philippines engaged and energized their volunteers to join the fight against poverty housing through various digital media avenues. In October, the theme Hard Hats for Habitat will underpinned a series of activities including a social media blitz, a youth build, a bloggers' build and a comprehensive media outreach exercise featuring print editorials, radio interviews, cinema and outdoor public service announcements.
	The UN-HABITAT Country office in the Philippines celebrated World Habitat Day 2010 on October 4 at the UN Offices at RCBC Plaza in Makati City with partners from the urban sector. The main activity was the convening of the Human Settlements Committee co-chaired by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and UN-HABITAT to discuss 1) the ongoing on-site relocation project in the Hankins community in Pasay City which involves the construction of a medium-rise building for affected 120 families, 2) updates on the policy reforms advocated by the Philippine Urban Consortium and 3) partnerships for the Montalban Resettlement Project. Around 50 participants from the national and local governments, business sector, civil society, academe and urban poor sector participated in the forum.
Portugal	LIPOR has organized to have presentations dubbed "Cidades Verdes" (Green Cities) on the World Habitat Day theme, Better City, Better Life. The speakers will include Dr. Fernando Leite and Dr. Susana Abreu of Lipor.
Portugal	The Portuguese Ministry for Environment and Spatial Planning held country-level activities to celebrate World Habitat Day.
Republic of Panama	AVINA will mobilize some of the communities and cities they work with in Latin America, in awareness-raising activities for World Habitat Day.
Russia	UN-HABITAT Russia will hold a conference on the theme Better City, Better Life in Moscow with the participation of government officials, MPs, city planners, NGOs and international organizations. The conference will be co-organised jointly with the Free Economic Society of the Russian Federation.
	A national workshop in the city of Tver will bring together six women's organizations to discuss activities aimed at the promotion of women's safety in Russian cities. The following Russian cities will be represented: Moscow, Tver, Pushchino, Dubna, Petrozavodsk, Cheliabinsk.
	The Russian Regional Development Ministry, the Free Economic Society of Russia and the Moscow Office of UN-HABITAT held a conference on World Habitat Day that drew more than 50 representatives of national ministries, Parliament, Moscow city authorities, academia, NGOs, trade unions, local authorities and the media. Delegates were presented with the Russian language edition of UN-HABITAT's flagship quarterly magazine, Urban World. Deputy Regional Development Minister Konstantin Korolevsky and Senator Oleg Tolkachev dwelled on the government’s efforts to provide affordable housing to the population of Russia. The right to adequate housing was in the focus of presentations by Dirk Hebekker, Senior Adviser from OHCHR Moscow, and Mikhail Shmakov, Chairman of the Russian Independent Trade Unions Federation. Evgeny Markov, President of the Union of Russia’s Small Towns, called for balanced state policies of urban development – the policies which take into account the needs of small towns. Alexander Puzanov, Director General of the Urban Economics Institute, provided a scholar’s view on the development of affordable housing market in the country. Anatoly Amelin, MP from the town of Pushchino, provided information on public initiatives to improve the town environment. Elizaveta Bozhkova, the head of Information Centre of the Independent Women’s Movement, called on government officials to focus not only on the provision of affordable housing, but also on the creation of a safe and friendly urban environment. She also cited initiatives to improve city safety. Rasikh Sagitov, Secretary General of the Euro-Asian branch of the world organization “United Cities and Local Authorities”, highlighted the importance of local self-government for sustainable urban development, while Lubov Ermolaeva, a member of the UN-HABITAT Youth Council, provided information on youth initiatives, which are to make our cities and our lives better. A detailed transcript of the conference will be published by the Free Economic Society of Russia.
Sierra Leone	The Human Right Shelter Committee celebrates the World Habitat Day at the National Forum For Human Right, 29B Big Water Loo Street, Freetown. Activities starting on 4 October 2010 marking the day have been divided into two- a national forum as well as regional forums in the four provinces of the country. The national forum will bring together various stakeholders including government ministers as well as NGO and UN representatives. Target audience includes disadvantaged slum residents and other stakeholders drawn from various sectors of the community.
	The Youth Partnership for Peace and Development Sierra Leone will observe the World Habitat Day through the media and through consultative programmes. Media campaigns will include a press conference/media round table, radio/TV discussion and news paper publication in the local media and online forums, and a one day consultative forum, in collaboration with CSOs/NGOs in Freetown to raise their awareness on issues of urbanization and the essence of the World Habitat Day and to further encourage them to inculcate the theme of Better City Better Life into their organizations' activities and to further reflect on the state of towns and cities and the basic right of all Sierra Leoneans to adequate shelter. The forum is also intended to remind the national government of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.
	The Human Right Shelter Committee comprising of 10 registered organizations that works on the issue of the environment, particularly housing and eviction, plans to celebrate this year's World Habitat Day in Sierra Leone.
Somalia	UN-HABITAT had World Habitat Day celebrations in Somaliland, Hargeisa and Puntland, Garowe.
South Africa	Habitable Human Settlements will organize World Habitat Day events in South Africa. The activities are aimed at assisting governments and institutions with the delivery of social houses to the less privileged with the highest needs for shelter on the housing waiting list; enforcing the governments' indigent policies; keeping a data base of indigent applicants; improving the quality of constructed houses, roads, sanitation, schools and health facilities by screening service providers, monitoring projects and offering certified quality assurance; helping place the homeless into government subsidised shelters and secure additional funding for such shelters from business, communities and international organizations; educating communities on environmental, social and economic well-being and encourage volunteerism; facilitation of the employment of local labour on the projects; replacing traditional rondavels with modern architectural rondavels with ventilation, lighting and easy to maintain; advocating universal design standards and close proximity to services and amenities; erecting new schools and rehabilitating the existing schools' infrastructure in rural areas; ensuring that communities have access to clean water, sanitation, power and essential services; building hospitals or community health centres in response to their needs, and developing infrastructural solutions as identified by the communities; raise funds and build capacity to serve the homeless population; and, working with other NGOs, governments, civil society and individuals from a kindred background in furthering the above objectives.
	The National Department of Human Settlements in South Africa is hosting a national conference on World Habitat Day.
	Habitat for Humanity South Africa had a five-house build on World Habitat Day in partnership with ArcelorMittal.
	The Department of Town and Regional Planning, at University of Johannesburg organized a World Habitat Day event at the department / university on the occasion of World Habitat Day. The activities included a quiz programme on the context of cities in South Africa with various rounds like: visual round, thematic round, rapid fire round, state of cities round etc.
Sri Lanka	The Condominium Management Authority, a government agency in Sri Lanka will publish their annual magazine for the World Habitat Day event in Sri Lanka.
	Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka hosted its first Global Village volunteer team in four years. HFH Sri Lanka, partnering with the Stitch Movement, a local initiative to encourage youth volunteerism and activism in the country, organized a one-kilometer barefoot walk to remember those without adequate housing.
	Women's CO-OP in Sri Lanka celebrated the World Habitat day in Colombo by focusing on implementing the Condominium Act of 1973. Women's CO-OP is working for the rights for the dwellers of condominiums. The Co-op launched a programme to commemorate World Habitat Day in the housing scheme with the participation of Urban development Authority, REEL Company , Community Development Council in the particular Scheme and other CDC leaders.
	The Ministry of Construction, Engineering and Common Amenities, Sri Lanka, organized a programme of events at the Fort Art Center in Battaramulla to observe World Habitat Day 2010. Please download document with more information from here
Spain	World Habitat Day celebrations will start in the framework of the Congress "Rehabilitation and Sustainability: the future is possible" www.rsf2010.org in collaboration with the Spanish Council of Technical Architecture, the Spanish Ministry for Housing and Metropolis. Discussion panels will follow under the theme "Responsibilities and challenges of local governments in the sustainability of the urban planning" focusing in the Latin America and Mediterranean countries. At the same time, a series of events with the civil society will take place at the Barcelona Maritime Museum, including the projection of the winner of the short-movies competition "Better City, Better Life". The call for submissions is open till September 15th, procedures available at: www.whdfilmcompetition.pbworks.com. For more information about World Habitat Day in Spain, please contact: urban.eu@vivienda.es
	To celebrate World Habitat Day, this year the UN-HABITAT office in Barcelona is organizing an institutional event within the Congress; "Rehabilitation and Sustainability: the future is possible" followed by a Panel discussion under the title: "Responsibilities and challenges of local governments in the sustainability of the urban planning" 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.
	UN-HABITAT has organized a series of events in Barcelona that begin on Monday, October 4 with an institutional act of Congress "Rehabilitation and Sustainability: the future is possible," event open to members, to be followed by a series of panels organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Metropolis of Spain. UN-HABITAT has also organized an exchange of experiences on decentralization and municipal development in Latin America and the Mediterranean.
	The Professional Association of Technical Architects of Catalonia in Barcelona is supporting the organization of the World Habitat Day in several Mediterranean cities.
	The UN-HABITAT office in Barcelona has organized 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" 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: unhabitat.barcelona@gmail.com
	The UN-HABITAT office has also launched a short-film competition. Three films will be shown during the observance of World Habitat Day in Barcelona on 4 October. More information is available at www.whdfilmcompetition.pbworks.com
	The Barcelona Architects Association will organize a congress in Barcelona from 4 to 6 October. The congress focuses on sustainable revitalization and it is sponsored by government bodies including the Ministry for Housing, the Province, the Region and the City Council.
	UN-HABITAT Barcelona organized a series of events beginning on 4 October with an institutional act of Congress "Rehabilitation and Sustainability: the future is possible," which was followed by a series of panels organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing of Spain and Metropolis. In the following days, UN-HABITAT organized an exchange of experience on decentralization and municipal development in Latin America and the Mediterranean. For more information on these activities please contact: spain@onuhabitat.org
Sudan	The Human Rights Society organized year long awareness campaigns for the housing rights in Abyei Town.
Switzerland	The World Business Council for Sustainable Development creates raises awareness of World Habitat Day through their WBCSD website, www.wbcsd.org.
Tanzania	The Maarifa Youth Network in Mabibo, Dar es Salaam, will organize a World Habitat Day event through public information campaigns and theatre to create awareness on the problems and issues facing people living in Tanzania. The planned activities will also include exhibitions, and discussions by policy makers including government officials, academicians, journalists and other professionals and community representatives.
	World Habitat Day in Tanzania was marked by colourful celebrations in Dar es Salaam. The Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development addressed the public through his televised speech where he highlighted the importance of World Habitat Day and the government plans toward human settlements and urban planning. He went further to state that the government has many programmes but there is also lack of professionals in the relevant areas and sometimes faced lack of proper supervision. Various stakeholders from the media, MDA, NGOs, CBOs, Private sector, Microfinance Banks, National Housing Corporation, the Ministry of Infrastructure, UN, Real Estates companies were represented.
	The immediate former Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, observed the World Habitat Day in her home town Muleba, in Tanzania by launching a youth group for decent homes and clean neighbourhoods.
	In a colourful event in Dar es Salaam, the Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development addressed the public through his televised speech to mark the World Habitat Day. He started his speech by highlighting the importance of World Habitat Day with an emphasis that the government of Tanzania in collaboration with UN-HABITAT in Tanzania is celebrating this very important event by highlighting the government plans toward human settlements and urban planning. He went further to state that the government has many programmes but there is also lack of professionals in the relevant areas and sometimes we are facing lack of proper supervision. The event was attended by various stakeholders from the media, MDA, NGOs, CBOs, Private sector, Microfinance Banks, National Housing corporation, the Ministry of Infrastructure, UN and Real Estates companies.
Thailand	LUSH celebrates the World Habitat Day in Bangkok through social and cultural events planned to provide shelter and helping alleviate the most urgent needs of the urban poor the city of Bangkok.
	Habitat for Humanity programs held special builds in October. In Thailand, simultaneous builds in four locations – Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Pathum Thani and Ranong, coupled with media interviews in Bangkok, raised awareness of the issues of inadequate housing and call for volunteers to help build better homes to transform lives. Over in Bangladesh , a Hard Hats for Habitat build was organized.
	Thailand had land reform as a key issue for its WHD celebrations, as the Baan Mankong slum upgrading project is now spreading to rural areas, requiring land surveys and mapping, so land is a very important issue with regard to housing in Thailand. There was a succession of events across the country throughout October, involving over 11,000 people. It culminated with the main event on the 22nd of October, in Pathum Thani province, with a visit by the Prime Minister. The province has many cities undertaking city-wide upgrading, with the support of the Provincial Governor, who has made city-wide upgrading a policy. He has also linked with the Land Department to facilitate the rules and regulations with regard to land and land allocation.
The Netherlands	The Netherlands Slum Dwellers Program, Cordaid, will organize an event on 4 October to draw attention through Dutch media to the rapid urbanization worldwide and the conditions the urban poor live in; organize an eventful and creative day and to create a link between the lives of the urban poor in Africa, Latin America and The Netherlands. The event at Podium 0950 Rotterdam will be an interactive network meeting for which 60 people from different institutions, backgrounds, and walks of life are invited. The guests will take a creative trip around the world and "visit" the three different identified neighborhoods created in three different rooms with three different ambiances, linked to a specific city that is used as a case study (a slum in Cape Town, a slum in El Salvador, a krachtwijk in Rotterdam).
Togo	SAID-Togo celebrates World Habitat Day in Lomé through drawing competitions, essay writing, media debates, and drawing competitions under the theme Better City, Better Life. The Essay writing competition is organized in collaboration with the English Club University of Lomé. The media debate programme is to bring the citizens to reflect on the state of cities and on the fundamental right to decent housing. It also intends to draw the attention of citizens to their collective responsibilities for the future of the human habitat. The drawing competition engages the students in primary schools and is intended to bring the students to think about their cities, the things they like, and those they do not like about their cities.
Togo	The Ministry of Planning and Housing has planned World Habitat Day activities from 1 October to 7 October in Kara. Activities including Open race, Exhibitions, and Speeches.
Tunisia	Tunisia celebrated Arab and World Habitat Days under the themes “adequate housing to the environment, a right for all” and “a better city, better life”. Tunisia published a declaration on this occasion highlighting the appropriateness of the subjects chosen to celebrate Arab and World Housing Day and the policy adopted by President Ben Ali which aims at consecrating comprehensive and sustainable development.
Vietnam	An exchange visit in Vinh was organzed with groups from Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines joining in with local teams , from 1-4 October. The trip started with a visit of the savings groups activities in Danang, where there are 2000 savings groups, each very small, around 10 members. These savings groups are managed by the Women’s Union and linked to the CDF. The group visited the savings groups, shared ideas, with the aim of eventually organizing a workshop on savings groups in the future. On the second day, the group went to the city of Vinh, where a formal event was held on the morning of the 3rd, with a site visit to and the inauguration of the Huu Nghi community’s housing project, with speeches from the community leader, and representatives from the Ministry of Construction, the provincial People’s Committee, and ACHR. This project is one where the poor have been able to negotiate a lower standard of construction than legally required, allowing appropriate housing for the poor. This was followed by an afternoon discussion on the implementation of the peoples’ housing projects in Vietnam, allowing for international sharing of ideas amongst the participants.
Vietnam	UN-HABITAT Vietnam in co-operation with Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association (VUPDA) organized the conference “HANOI MILLENNIUM - City Past and Future”. It was also a realistic action to contribute for the 1000th Anniversary of Ha Noi. The workshop went through current challenges of Ha Noi and solutions to address those challenges. Then it came up with initiatives, concrete plan to draw the future of Hanoi, to make it become a better city.
Uganda	This years' World Habitat Day will be celebrated in Tororo Municipal Council in Kampala. The event will be graced by the Vice President of Uganda, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the Mayor of Tororo among others. The events to be held include; Laying a foundation stone for the UN-HABITAT funded (ERSO) slum upgrading project in Tororo municipal council; Launching of the Slum Upgrading Strategy for Uganda; Exhibitions by the Central and Local governments, private sector, NGOs, financial institutions etc; Radio and TV live talk shows on the theme Better City, Better Life and a TV documentary on the state of urbanization in Uganda.
	Youth Initiative for AIDS prevention (YIAP-Uganda) continues to mobilize their communities in raising issues of sustainable urbanization in Uganda.
	Uganda’s celebrations will be in Entebbe and the chief guests expected are the Prime Minister Apollo Nsibambi as well as the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and the Mayor of Entebbe among others. Events lined up include; Opening of the show room for the CDS funded projects in Entebbe Municipal Council; Launching of the Shelter Profile report for Uganda; Exhibitions by the Central and Local governments, private sector, NGOs, financial institutions etc; Radio and TV live talk shows on the theme Better City, Better Life and a TV documentary on the state of urbanization in Uganda. There will also be WHD 2010 magazine with articles from a wide range of stakeholder participation Youth Initiative for AIDS prevention (YIAP-Uganda) continues to mobilize their communities in raising issues of sustainable urbanization in Uganda. Other activities shall include a painting competition and a clean up exercise in the town.
	World Habitat Day was celebrated in Entebbe and was graced by the Prime Minister of Uganda, Prof. Apollo Nsibambi, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and the Mayor of Entebbe among others. The events held included; Opening of the show room for the CDS funded projects in Entebbe municipal council; Launching of the Shelter Profile report for Uganda; Exhibitions by the Central and Local governments, private sector, NGOs, financial institutions etc; Radio and TV live talk shows on the theme Better City, Better Life and a TV documentary on the state of urbanization in Uganda..
	Habitat for Humanity Uganda partnered with The Independent Publications Limited, a local but popular and widely read magazine in Uganda to publish an informative, educative pull-out highlighting the housing need in Uganda and the role played by key stakeholders in the provision of better housing.
United Kingdom	The international non-profit organisation Architecture for Health in Vulnerable Environments (ARCHIVE) gave talks to students at University College London's Development Planning Unit and at Imperial College London about why housing should be a central strategy for preventing illness and providing care among the poor, during their event on 4-7 October to mark World Habitat Day. The talks drew on examples from ARCHIVE's work in Haiti and northwest London. During the week ARCHIVE also published an article on its website and, via social media, encouraged its online followers to reflect on the connection between housing and health.
	Amnesty International UK hosted a panel discussion and a short film screening about the impact of forced evictions with a special focus on Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria to mark World Habitat Day 2010. Over 200,000 people are currently facing eviction because the authorities plan to demolish more than 40 informal settlements in Port Harcourt’s waterfront area as part of the ‘urban renewal’ of the city. Thousands have already lost their livelihoods as well as their homes to make way for private development involving an 8 screen cinema (already built), and a planned shopping mall, conference centre, hotel and theme park. Speakers included Joseph Croft, Stakeholder Democracy Network, Lucy Freeman, Nigeria Team Amnesty International and Naomi McAuliffe, Amnesty International UK
	Muslim Aid has urged governments to honour their collective commitment to provide their people with adequate shelter as part of creating more equal and just societies. Muslim Aid also reiterated its firm resolve to help communities that have lost their homes due to natural and man-made disasters through its relief and development projects by providing temporary shelter, permanent housing and access to clean water. A Spokesperson for Muslim Aid said: “This task of providing shelter and housing requires both national and international efforts and practical solutions, especially for people affected by crisis and natural disasters. On this day we remind the international community that 640 million children in developing countries still live without adequate shelter and around 55 million people last year were affected by extreme weather conditions across the world. Simple measures such as providing transitional shelter or good drainage systems can save peoples lives.” Muslim Aid is currently implementing shelter and construction programmes in many countries across the world in order to make people’s habitat safer and comfortable. It has also completed flood mitigation projects in Indonesia to improve protection against future flooding. These projects have allowed communities to flourish and children to build a life filled with security and peace.
United States	The CourtView Justice Solutions has planned The 2010 CourtView User Conference on the 4th and 5th of October, in Cleveland, Ohio, to mark the World Habitat Day. Special guest speakers Jeff Whytsell, Faith OutReach Director for our local Habitat for Humanity and the honorable Judge Ronald B. Adrine, Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Cleveland Municipal Court will be speaking at the event on helping the community and the justice system in Cleveland. User Conference attendees will learn how others within the justice community are helping Build a Better Community.
	The Honolulu Field Office in Hawaii of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development will develop an e-newsletter in celebration of World Habitat Day to highlight individuals and collectives pioneering some potent ideas to create better communities that improve lives and harness the potential of all people. The e-newsletter will be available on HUD in Hawaii webpage and emailed to Honolulu Field Office stakeholders network. It will focus on the immense possibilities being created by ordinary people to enrich the lives of others, promote their well-being and to contribute so communities thrive and flourish. It is through innovation and out-of-the-box thinking and doing that issues and challenges are redefined and new solutions are shaped. Featured innovative projects include: Institute for Human Services, an emergency shelter for the homeless, and its efforts to produce healthy food, teach sustainable living to kids and learn meaningful employment skills; Small, green affordable project for the elderly proposed for an area in New Orleans devastated by Hurricane Katrina selected as a finalist in a competition sponsored by the US Green Building Council and The Salvation Army. The home will be built and metrics applied regarding the green aspects. Molokai Habitat for Humanity is constructing an off-grid bamboo house that will be certified platinum by the US Green Building Council as a template for expanding capacity to produce homes that are greener and healthier. The e-newsletter will be published in October 2010.
	The NGO Committee on Human Settlements is organizing awareness-raising events for World Habitat Day in New York.
	The University of Wyoming in Larmaie, celebrates this year's World Habitat Day through community service involving their student-athletes.
	Habitat for Humanity International has World Habitat Day events planned in various parts of the world, including a major event in Washington DC featuring former President Jimmy Carter.
	University of California Berkeley and Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter organized one week long events surrounding World Habitat Day, dubbing it World Habitat Week! The hallmark of the week was a Photo Competition asking students "What Will You Build"? The University used Social Media, Facebook, to disseminate and bring awareness to the college community. More details on the event can be found here
	In Cornelius, North Carolina the World Habitat Day Lowe's Media Event was organized engaging the media, volunteers, donors and chambers. Lowe is in the process of building a Lowe's Companies sponsored home. This home is not only an excellent example of what an impact the Lowe's national partnership has made, but it is also an excellent promotion for our Green Building program. This house will be the first LEEDS-certified home.
	In Dickinson, Texas, the “Parade of Playhouses” event will mark World Habitat Day where tickets for mini Habitat for Humanity houses will be sold. Students from Wisconsin built two playhouses while volunteering. The students that take part in Youth United Habitat program will sell raffle tickets during Act! Speak! Build! Week.
	Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County hosted a photo contest and exhibit in conjunction with World Habitat Day, in Concord, North Carolina. Entrants submitted photos and a short narrative on what home means to them, and photos were displayed at an ongoing exhibit, opened with a reception on World Habitat Day. Photos will then be compiled in to a book and sent to lawmakers as an appeal for safe, affordable housing.
	Two houses were donated to the local affiliate by families from Montgomery, Alabama on the event of World Habitat Day. The sponsors for the rehabs are Kellogg and Winn Dixie
	In Pacoima, California, there was a 5 kilometer Habitat Way Walkathon in honor of World Habitat Day.
	Representatives from Habitat, Housing Authority, Rebuilding Together and Redevelopment Agency presented their programs during a World Habitat Day event in Warner Robins, Georgia called "Preparing Families for Homeownership" for housing agencies and enabling agencies. Enabling agencies such as Community Action Agency, Consumer Credit Counseling, Life Changers, State Dept. of Family and Children Services, food banks and churches will explain their programs to develop families.
	Several Community Work Days were held throughout the month of October in Prudenville, Michigan, involving local churches and civic groups.
	A former President and First Lady commemorated World Habitat Day with kick off to the 27th Annual Habitat for Humanity 'Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project'. Habitat for Humanity International is kicking off its 27th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, as well as other building and awareness raising events across the United States and around the world. Habitat for Humanity World Habitat Day events have been registered and descriptions can be found here
	Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County joined the celebration of World Habitat Day 2010 with special events planned for the next six weeks. These activities included: A call for more volunteers to help build the first Habitat home in the county. The organization held a communitywide birdhouse decorating competition. The completed birdhouses werebe sold at a silent auction 4:30-7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, at the Hutchinson Center in Belfast. At the "Taste of the World" event, the organization had cards available for those who would like to donate to Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County in the name of someone as a holiday gift. For more information about the cards, call 557-6071 or visit www.habitatofwaldocounty.org.
	Randolph-Macon College students paid homage to World Habitat Week October 4-8, 2010. This annual event is an opportunity for Habitat for Humanity, the United Nations and organizations around the world to join forces in raising awareness about the global housing crisis. On October 4, members of the college's Habitat for Humanity (H4H) chapter "lived" in cardboard boxes all day to raise awareness on campus about poverty and homelessness. Other student organizations also supported H4H by sponsoring a box for the day. All donations received were donated to the Hanover County Habitat for Humanity, which uses 100% of all donations to build homes for Hanover County families. "This was an opportunity for our students to educate themselves and their community and to advocate for decent, affordable homes," says Christina Brown, assistant director of residence life and housing at R-MC. The event was covered in the October 5 edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. On Wednesday, October 6, Jose Quinonez, the director of Advocacy for Habitat for Humanity International, presented "The State of Poverty in 2010" to R-MC students and members of the community. Quinonez has served Habitat for Humanity and other non-profit organizations for many years and travels the world to aid in the battle against substandard housing conditions and poverty. Quinonez told the audience that, according to current data, the rate of poverty in the world will continue to increase and the need for decent affordable housing will skyrocket. He also discussed what Habitat and volunteers all around the world are doing to address the situation. Quinonez encouraged students to get involved by working with their local H4H affiliates. For information about R-MC's Habitat for Humanity chapter, click here
	Harvard University's Habitat for Humanity campus chapter held an advocacy campaign with a focus on secure tenure. The students also created a photo collage to submit to Habitat International.
	Habitat for Humanity International hosted its annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work in the week of 4 October in cities across USA. Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International said the organization's model of offering a hand up, rather than a handout, builds responsible home-ownership. In honor of President Carter's 86th birthday, thousands of volunteers that week built, renovated or repaired 86 homes in Washington, D.C., Annapolis, Baltimore, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Birmingham, Alabama.
Zambia	The Swedish Cooperative Centre is working with its partners to celebrate the World Habitat Day and to raise awareness on this year's theme Better City, Better Life in Zambia.
Zambia	Habitat for Humanity Zambia participated with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing in a session on World Habitat Day. The minister was the main speaker, while other speakers included UN-HABITAT, UNDP, Kitwe Mayor, the Canadian Ambassador to Zambia and HFH Zambia. Habitat for Humanity Zambia made a speech which focusing on the theme “Better City, Better Life” asking local authorities to work in partnership with NGO's in order to achieve better cities and improve the lives of urban inhabitants.
Zimbabwe	For the first time the World Habitat Day commemorations were organized by ZIM-Habitat in close collaboration with the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities. The National Housing Convention in November 2009 strongly recommended the establishment of ZIM-HABITAT which is the National Chapter on Human Settlements. Its broad mandate is to facilitate the formulation of the national housing policy and monitor its implementation through diverse stakeholders in the sector as well as to play an advisory role to the Ministry on matters related to policies and strategies on human settlement development in general. The commemorations 2010 were celebrated in Budiriro/Section 5 in Harare. Numerous guests were invited to visit a current housing consortium project in Budiriro. The City of Harare allocated undeveloped land to the consortium in December of 2004. The City of Harare mandated the consortium to do the following developments: Surveying, Water reticulation system, Sewer reticulation system, Road network and Building housing units for members. These developments were funded by member subscriptions only. To date the following has been achieved: Surveying 100%, Water reticulation 100%, Sewer reticulation 100%, Road network up to gravel level (the consortium is expected to tar the roads on their own before processing of title deeds), Housing units’ developments (consortium approximation 50%). The consortium went even further to partner the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) and provides about 70% of the required materials for the electricity grid. To date the project is 80% complete. All achievements made in the project were 100% self funded and the success was recorded under a hyperinflationary environment. All project participants believe this projects a success story in Southern Africa if not in Africa as a whole. The visit of the project site where the Guest of Honour, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities Hon. Giles T. Mutsekwa officially opened a model house was followed by speeches from Mr. J Chiyangwa (Director of Housing and Community Services/City of Harare), Hon. Dr.I.G. Karimanzira (Governor and Resident Minister for Harare Metropolitan Province) and L. Hlatywayo (Consortium Statement), Mr.Chiroto (Deputy Mayor of Harare),Mr.Tutisani (Chairperson ZIM Habitat) and Christine Umutoni (Country Director UNDP). The town clerk of the City of Harare Dr.Tendai Mahachi closed the event with a Vote of Thanks on behalf of the councillor for Ward 43. The celebration was accompanied by the Budiriro No. 5 Pry School &Churchill Pipe Band. UN Habitat office in Harare had sponsored 500 T-shirts for the event as well as a banner. The celebration concluded with a group lunch at Chinese Gardens Restaurant in Harare.

Country	Event
Botswana	The Department of Housing under the Ministry of Lands and Housing in Botswana will be commemorating this year's World Habitat Day on October 4 in Malotwana Village, Kgatleng District. Other districts have also been encouraged to commemorate the day in their various locations so that people at the grassroots are involved. Activities will include; national visual artworks competition based on the theme for secondary schools, tertiary students and the general public. The closing date for the competition is 17 September 2010. The winners will be awarded prizes at the ceremony. Other competitions like performing arts and essay competitions will be done at the local level. A slot has also been reserved on the morning of October 4 for the broadcast of the Minister of Lands and Housing's speech. A cycling event will be held at Malotwane village on the eve of the event as part of the campaign to encourage use of non-motorised transport and exercise. It is hoped that this will create a buzz before the main event. Every effort is being made to encourage the villagers and the nation at large to participate. During the event, companies/ Government Departments/ Ministries that are relevant to the theme will showcase their products and/or services. A march will be held on the morning of October 4 to mark the event. Activities planned for the day include choral music, traditional dance and poetry based on the theme; tour of projects relevant to the theme; lots of food and drink for the public.
Burkina Faso	Burkina Faso joined the international community in celebrating the World Habitat Day in the municipality of Loumbila. Under the theme of public private partnership, was the launch of production of 1000 social housing units with urban development partners (public and private urban and housing professional, technical and financial partner, NGOs, associations, and representatives of various type of population (women, young, customary leaders, religious leaders, etc). The event was chaired by Mr. Vincent T. Dabilgou, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, the ceremony was placed under the sponsorship of Minister of territorial administration and decentralization. The Minister of infrastructure was also present.
Cameroon	Concerned Minds for Habitation Securities (COMIHAS) will celebrate World Habitat Day by organizing a choral singing competition on the theme Better City, Better Life. The competition is geared at raising awareness on habitat issues in Cameroon and the world. The World Habitat Day activities will start with a TV talk show on Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) on 30 September, where the Executive Director of COMIHAS will be the guest. For the main celebration on 4 October, COMIHAS has planned two activities; a joint communal work with Habitat for Humanity Cameroon office at the low cost housing project site, situated at "mile 14 Dibanda" Fako Division, and a Choral singing competition which will be held at the South West Regional headquarters of Buea.
	Habitat for Humanity Cameroon will commemorate the World Habitat Day in Yaounde through the media to raise awareness and stimulate debate on the important theme, Better Cities, Better Life. The initiative will involve the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, in partnership local NGOs dealing in social housing in Cameroon for instance CONGEH (Coalition des ONG et OCB du Cameroun oeuvrant dans le domaine des Etablissements Humains), CIAH (Collectif Inter-Africain des Habitants) and ENSP (Ecole Nationale Supérieure Polytechnique). The activities will be on September 30 and October 2, ahead of the World Habitat Day main celebration on October 4.
	Habitat for Humanity Cameroon participated in a national radio and television debate on social housing policy with other housing organizations and partners. They also hosted a build day on Saturday 2 October.
	Habitat for Humanity Cameroon on 29 September contacted journalists of various press organs (“COM. News” and “Integrations”) in order to give them information to publish about the contribution of Habitat for Humanity Cameroon in the fight against poverty housing in Cameroon. On 30 September, the RD&C Officer of HFH Cameroon, Guidioni Lowé took part at the Cameroon Radio and Television debate, on the Social housing policy in Cameroon with other housing organizations and partners .On the same day, in association with the other social housing organisations and the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, the local NGO named CONGEH (Coalition des ONG et OCB du Cameroun oeuvrant dans le domaine des Etablissements Humains), CIAH (Collectif Inter-Africain des Habitants), ENSP (Ecole Nationale Supérieure Polytechnique) and Habitat for Humanity Cameroon, organised a conference debate/Workshop on the theme of this year 2010: “Better City, Better Life” in Yaoundé.
	On 2 October in Yaoundé, Investment day with the beneficiaries, the staff of Congeh’s, CIAH and Habitat for Humanity Cameroon in the locality of Nyomo, 15 kilometres from the city of Yaounde. The different actors have the project to build 500 houses on this site for the vulnerable people in need of decent shelters in Yaounde. On 4 October, Guidioni Lowé, the RD&C Officer of HfHC was interviewed by the Communication Unit of the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing of Cameroon on the contribution of HFHC in the fight against poverty housing in Cameroon. This interview was aired on the same day on the National Radio.
Cape Verde	The Ministry of Habitat, MDHOT and UN-HABITAT organized a debate: "Um Habitat Humanizado", a Humanized Habitat address to university students and architects and engeneers, social workers in order to sensitize the different actors on the importance of the theme Better City, Better Life campaign. The Resident Coordinator made a presentation of UN-HABITAT activities in Cape Verde. Two specialists from Portugal presented and debated the theme Humanized Habitat in Cape Verde. Around 50 participants attended to the 2 hours conference at the University Piaget. Please visit the following links for the news and some pictures: http://www.rtc.cv/tcv/index.php?paginas=40&id_cod=6586&data=2010-10-04 http://www.rtc.cv/index.php?paginas=21&id_cod=1505 http://picasaweb.google.com/UNJO.CapeVerde/WorldHabitatDayJeanPiagetUniversity The second activity for the celebration consisted in the diffusion of 6 television spots on the campaign Better City, Better Life, currently being diffused in the public television 3 times a day untill the 21 of November. www.rtc.cv/master_6_spot_ONU_HABITAT.mpg
Eritrea	To use the 2010 World Habitat Day as opportunity to highlight key human settlement issues the UN-HABITAT Office in Eritrea called upon the Government of Eritrea to organize activities to raise awareness on urban safety and security under this year’s theme “Better City Better Life”. The Ministry of Public Works of the Government of Eritrea, the focal Ministry to UN-HABITAT, agreed to the proposal of putting banners in the main avenues of the Capital and disseminating message of the Executive Director of UN-HABITAT to relevant ministries, civil societies and public libraries. Consequently, to commemorate the day and raise public awareness banners bearing the theme were prepared and displayed in three main avenues of the capital city .
Ethiopia	Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia celebrated the day with two Global Village teams in the two affiliates Jima and Debre Markos.
Ghana	World Habitat Day in Kumasi: On 4 October the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, will celebrate World Habitat Day in Kumasi. The national forum will bring together various stakeholders including government ministers as well as NGO and UN representatives. Target audience includes disadvantaged slum residents and other stakeholders drawn from various sectors of the community. Activities slated for the celebration include Essay and Debate Competitions for selected Secondary Schools, visit to Slum community, Urban Development Project Sites, Talk Shop/Seminar, exhibitions and awards.
	Habitat for humanity in Ghana: As a preparation towards WHD cerebration, Habitat for humanity featured a workshop focusing on institutional arrangements in urban governance. This makes it possible to draw out general propositions on the opportunities and limitations of such new institutional arrangements in transforming the quality of life for ordinary citizens in urban areas, the reduction of poverty, and the extension of participation and democratic citizenship. The development of Habitat for humanity projects in the Ghana; exhibits detailing Ghana's overall growth plan and speech by CEO by Habitat for humanity.
	Awareness on Urban Housing Situation: Mr Agyeman's award winning Journalist of the year with documentary entitled: "Shelter in the City", which focused on the plight of female head potters (popularly known as 'Kayayei'), who sleep in the night in front of stores, supermarkets, in uncompleted buildings and other unsecured structures at the mercy of the weather will use this piece to highlight issues of human settlements in the country and urban housing situation in Ghana. It was shown during the Word Urban Forum 5 event. A copy was sent to the Information Services Section in UNHABITAT, Nairobi.
	Housing the Masses programme : Housing the Masses, an NGO which is helping the Low-Income Housing/ Community Development Project in Yendi in collaboration UNHABITAT and UNDP, Slum Inventory Pilot project and others will commence a, post-UN World Habitat Day event that involved the construction and launch of a model house for Low-Income Housing/ Community.
	Habitat for Humanity Ghana adopted the Habitat for Humanity International’s question theme of “What will you build” to draw signatures in Ghana as a basis to engage the government in a dialogue on coming up with a finalized housing policy.
	The Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development celebrated World Habitat Day in Kumasi. Activities planned for the event were; durbar, exhibition and round table discussions.
Iran	The Environment and Sustainable Development Office (ESDO) of Tehran Municipality celebrated World Habitat Day under the title of “Electronic Cities on the road to Better City, Better Life ”. The ESDO held its program under two categories: 1. Conference and Specialized Panels focusing on “Electronic Cities on the road to Better City, Better Life”; 3 0ctober 2010, and 2. Festival of “Better City, Better Life” for youth and children; 11-12 October 2010
Iraq	The Republic of Iraq will celebrate the World Habitat Day on 4 October at the ceremony to launch the National Housing Policy of Iraq. The policy has been prepared in cooperation with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT.
Iraq	The Ministry of Construction and Housing will be launching its National Housing Policy on World Habitat Day 2010. The Policy outlines Iraq's housing need, how the policy aims to respond to it, and the process of arriving at the policy. The UN-HABITAT Iraq Program is confident that this policy sets Iraq on course to begin to address its demands in the housing sector. The policy is built on thorough analysis of key thematic areas surrounding the housing sector; access to land, access to finance, housing production, building materials, infrastructure, housing management and maintenance and informal settlements, and has been developed through multi-stakeholder debates and working groups, supported by national and global experts over an 18-month period.
Israel	The Association of Environmental Justice in Israel (AEJI) will issue a special report about the Arab towns in Israel, depicting the Socio-Environmental Profile of the Arab towns in central Israel. The report will be issued on a public event, in October, with participation of the local inhabitants and decision makers, including member of the parliament.
Jordan	Habitat for Humanity Jordan incorporated the celebrations into a function surrounding a Global Village team visiting the Al Taybeh community in the north of Jordan from 7 October 7 October.
Kenya	This year's national observance will be held at Afraha Stadium, in Nakuru. The Chief Guest is expected to be the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government, Mr. Musalia Mudavadi, other guests are the Minister for Housing, Mr. Soita Shitanda, Members of Parliament from the Nakuru region, other top government officials, the representative of the Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, Kenya's Permanent Representative to United Nations Office in Nairobi, and local leaders.
	KASWESHA is organizing a pre- World Habitat Day STAND-UP & TAKE Action event to take place ahead of the World Habitat Day celebrations on 4 October. The activities will take place in the Nairobi Eastlands area and Kariobangi South Estate.
	Kilele Foundation organized World Habitat Day celebrations in Kenya
	At the UN-HABITAT headquarters in Gigiri, Nairobi, World Habitat Day was observed by UN-HABITAT’ and other UN agencies’ staff members based in Nairobi. The event reminded staff of the goal of World Habitat Day, which is to reflect on the state of towns and cities and the basic right of all, to adequate shelter and to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat. There was a World Habitat Day themed skit and a musical performance by the Billian Music family from Mathare informal settlements. Other performances included traditional dances by Pillars of Kibera youth group, and a narrative on HIV Aids showing how a healthy city promotes better life. There were also speeches by UN-HABITAT senior staff, and an exhibition which was also a highlight of the celebration.
Kuwait	Arab Towns Organisation in cooperation with UN-HABITAT Kuwait will celebrate the World Habitat Day in October by organising its 15th General Assembly in Kuwait in which there will be four focus areas: Cities and Environment, Cities and Youth Knowledge, Cities and Heritage, cities and Information technology. The Assembly will be inaugurated by his highness the Prince of Kuwait and will be attended by 400 mayors from Arab towns. The conference will be addressing the above issues within this year's theme Better City, Better Life. The event will be hosted at Conference Hall at the Royal Prince Palace (Bayan Palace) and will begin on 2 October and end on 5 October 2010.
Lesotho	Habitat for Humanity, Lesotho has invited volunteers from six years and older for a fun day of outreach in honour of World Habitat Day 2010 on 9 October from 9.00a.m - 4.00 p.m. The activities will include house painting, plastering, and gardening at eight completed Habitat homes for vulnerable families, at Nazareth community, 40 minutes outside Maseru.
	The celebrations in Lesotho will be spearheaded by a partnership of Habitat for Humanity(Lesotho), World Vision and UN-HABITAT and will feature a service event on October 9, 2010. HFH Lesotho has mobilized over 200 volunteers to help vulnerable families renovate their homes in the Nazareth area. At the celebration, HFH Lesotho plans to officially “hand over” more than 150 Habitat homes to orphan-headed and vulnerable families. Volunteers and HFH Lesotho staff will work hand-in-hand to refurbish six Habitat homes. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) currently reside in these homes and will be present to partake in the day of community service. Renovation activities include: painting, plastering, gardening, tree planting, and other activities.
	Habitat for Humanity Lesotho hosted a family-friendly day of service, community and fun that included house painting, plastering, and gardening at eight completed Habitat homes for vulnerable families in Nazareth, 40 minutes outside of the capital city, to celebrate World Habitat Day 2010. Over 200 volunteers participated.
	In Lesotho the event was celebrated at Nazareth, about 16 kilometers east of the capital, Maseru. Organised by Habitat for Humanity – Lesotho, the event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Natural Resources, Monyane Moleleki and heads of diplomatic missions in Lesotho. Read more
Liberia	The Global Foundation for Human Rights plans week-long outreach activities in observance of the World Habitat Day. Activities to start on 30 September to 4 October will include an exhibition of arts & craft, street parade and indoor program. There will also be radio and TV talk shows and radio jingoes on the theme, Descent looks for our Cities& Towns in Post-War Liberia. The main celebration on 4 October will be at the Monrovia City Hall, 3rd Sinkor, Monrovia, starting at 8:00a.m. Activities will include a football tournament & essay competition among four high schools, culture, arts & craft exhibition, street parade and indoor program.
Liberia	World Habitat Day celebration in Liberia was observed at the Municipal Town Hall of Paynesville City in an effort to increase the level of sensitization and awareness about UN-HABITAT normative and operational activities in Liberia. Participants included local authorities, citizens, residents and students of the city as well as a cross section of the leadership and members of both the Slum Dwellers Association of Liberia and the Women Land Access Trust of Liberia. Apart from the formal readings of the Secretary General’s and the Executive Director’s messages, the Key note speaker, Amadou Kiawu, Deputy Minister for Urban Affairs at the Ministry of Internal Affairs reflected on the progress Liberia had made over the years since UN-HABITAT was founded and urged the participants to take the message of the need for the development of sustainable human settlements in Liberia. The first meeting between the Slum Dwellers Association and the Women Land Access Trust took place in an effort the chart the way forward in addressing challenges inhabitants in the various slum communities face including the problems of access and security of tenure. Additionally, the Proclamation of the President of Liberia read in the print and electronic media in observance of the day called on all public and private entities including individuals to undertake initiatives befitting the day and declared the day a working holiday. On the heels of the observance of WHD, the Land Commission with support from UN-HABITAT and the Norwegian Refugee Committee held a National Urban Conference at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex from 6 -8 October under the theme: Managing the Urban Interface, Strategies and tools for sustainable urban land administration, management and development. Among the many resolutions adopted by the participants at the Conference was that the Land Commission holds an annual urban forum.
Malawi	Habitat for Humanity Malawi participated alongside the Ministry of Lands and Urban Housing using UN-HABITAT’s theme of “Better City, Better Life”. The event took place on Monday, 4 October in the Northern Region Karonga District
Malawi	The 2010 World Habitat Day in Malawi was commemorated in the northern border town of Karonga on 4 October. It was presided over by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Hon John Bande. The day was marked by traditional dances, drama, exhibitions and speeches by the District Commissioner, traditional chief, the Member of Parliament, UN-HABITAT and the Minister. The day was also marked by a tour of the town to appreciate the rebuilding efforts and the urban planning and development challenges the town is facing. On the eve of the day a public debate on the theme was broadcast live on Zodiak Broadcasting Station from Karonga Teachers’ Training College. In the two weeks leading up to the day, Chief Executives of all the cities held a press conference at which they explained the work of the city councils and the challenges they face in building better cities and better lives for all who live and work in them. The events were organized by the Malawi Government in partnership with UN-HABITAT and many others including city councils, statutory corporations, NGOs and civil society.
Mozambique	In a bid to raise awareness about disaster mitigation and awareness, the UN-HABITAT team in Maputo, Mozambique, held a special World Habitat Day event with the country's National Institute for Disaster Management in the very zone where floods brought on by heavy rains have struck in recent years with devastating impact. Mutarara village is concealed between a low level area where two major rivers meet, namely the Zambezi River in the southwest and the Chire in the northeast limit. As heavy rains and discharges from the Cahora Bassa dam upstream the Zambezi are expected, people are working hard to ensure that they have an elevated place of refugee while they wait for expected flood waters to subside. The platform, which once finished will house 3 classrooms in its top, is part of a strategy advocated by UN-HABITAT through its governmental partner INGC - the National Institute for Disasters Management of Mozambique - aiming to assist communities in living with floods. Even in remote areas, people are being taught how to change their attitude, their city or their village, striving for a better life. See also this website
Nigeria
	The Toris Schools organizes a road walk to sensitize the community on the need to keep the community clean and to promote a healthy environment. This campaign will actively involve the Toris School children who will also be guided to draw a master plan for a new city plan for Okearo community in Ogun State where the school is situated. The plan will contain features like a better road layout, bridges, hospitals, call centres, park, sports centre, the city mall and much more.
	With support from the Architecture Students Association, Habitat UNEC plans an awareness raising programme in and around the University of Nigeria and in its Enugu State community, to celebrate the World Habitat Day and this year's theme Better City Better Life. The programme will be advocating for sustainable urbanization.
	The National Union of Tenants of Nigeria will, in conjunction with the civil society organizations from all over Nigeria, commemorate this year's World Habitat Day at the Conference Hall of Federal Government Secretariat, Port Harcourt, to highlight the scale of unlawful forced eviction of families and wanton destruction of people's homes and lives by the Government of Rivers State. Invited to cover the occasion are local and international media. For more details about the event, send mail to: info.nutn@yahoo.com
	Fusion Nigeria – Nassarawa Centre observed the World Habitat Day at St. Paul’s Catholic Church Hall, in Nassarawa Community of Chikun LGA of Kaduna State Nigeria. Fusion Nigeria – Nassarawa Centre organized the event with the Support of the office of the Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church Nassarawa. The event was aimed at; Bringing the people of Nassarawa community together to reflect on the development of Nassarawa town; Joining Nassarawa Community in the Global Celebration; Raising Social Capital to the deal with issues that affects the community; Setting up a sustainable network to continue to respond to issues affecting Nassarawa community. The event was organized under the theme “Better Nassarawa, Better life”.
Occupied Palestinian territory	The Battir Village Council, with support of UN-HABITAT, organized a folklore festival in Battir Public Park under the theme "Better City, Better Life". Battir lies at the heart of the West Bank and is part of the broader urban region stretching from Bethlehem over Jerusalem to Ramallah. Schools in Battir are also held a drawing and writing competition. In East Jerusalem, a special session took place at the Rosary Sisters's High School, In the Gaza Strip, a wide variety of housing actors, came together in a three-day workshop, organised joinlty, by UN-HABITAT and the HABITAT partner University of Westminster (London, UK), to develop innovative approaches to the reconstruction and development of the Gaza strip, focusing on 'sustainable growth, greener houses and greener neighborhoods'.
Sierra Leone	The Human Right Shelter Committee celebrates the World Habitat Day at the National Forum For Human Right, 29B Big Water Loo Street, Freetown. Activities starting on 4 October 2010 marking the day have been divided into two- a national forum as well as regional forums in the four provinces of the country. The national forum will bring together various stakeholders including government ministers as well as NGO and UN representatives. Target audience includes disadvantaged slum residents and other stakeholders drawn from various sectors of the community.
	The Youth Partnership for Peace and Development Sierra Leone will observe the World Habitat Day through the media and through consultative programmes. Media campaigns will include a press conference/media round table, radio/TV discussion and news paper publication in the local media and online forums, and a one day consultative forum, in collaboration with CSOs/NGOs in Freetown to raise their awareness on issues of urbanization and the essence of the World Habitat Day and to further encourage them to inculcate the theme of Better City Better Life into their organizations' activities and to further reflect on the state of towns and cities and the basic right of all Sierra Leoneans to adequate shelter. The forum is also intended to remind the national government of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.
	The Human Right Shelter Committee comprising of 10 registered organizations that works on the issue of the environment, particularly housing and eviction, plans to celebrate this year's World Habitat Day in Sierra Leone.
Somalia	UN-HABITAT had World Habitat Day celebrations in Somaliland, Hargeisa and Puntland, Garowe.
South Africa	Habitable Human Settlements will organize World Habitat Day events in South Africa. The activities are aimed at assisting governments and institutions with the delivery of social houses to the less privileged with the highest needs for shelter on the housing waiting list; enforcing the governments' indigent policies; keeping a data base of indigent applicants; improving the quality of constructed houses, roads, sanitation, schools and health facilities by screening service providers, monitoring projects and offering certified quality assurance; helping place the homeless into government subsidised shelters and secure additional funding for such shelters from business, communities and international organizations; educating communities on environmental, social and economic well-being and encourage volunteerism; facilitation of the employment of local labour on the projects; replacing traditional rondavels with modern architectural rondavels with ventilation, lighting and easy to maintain; advocating universal design standards and close proximity to services and amenities; erecting new schools and rehabilitating the existing schools' infrastructure in rural areas; ensuring that communities have access to clean water, sanitation, power and essential services; building hospitals or community health centres in response to their needs, and developing infrastructural solutions as identified by the communities; raise funds and build capacity to serve the homeless population; and, working with other NGOs, governments, civil society and individuals from a kindred background in furthering the above objectives.
	The National Department of Human Settlements in South Africa is hosting a national conference on World Habitat Day.
	Habitat for Humanity South Africa had a five-house build on World Habitat Day in partnership with ArcelorMittal.
	The Department of Town and Regional Planning, at University of Johannesburg organized a World Habitat Day event at the department / university on the occasion of World Habitat Day. The activities included a quiz programme on the context of cities in South Africa with various rounds like: visual round, thematic round, rapid fire round, state of cities round etc.
Sudan	The Human Rights Society organized year long awareness campaigns for the housing rights in Abyei Town.
Tanzania	The Maarifa Youth Network in Mabibo, Dar es Salaam, will organize a World Habitat Day event through public information campaigns and theatre to create awareness on the problems and issues facing people living in Tanzania. The planned activities will also include exhibitions, and discussions by policy makers including government officials, academicians, journalists and other professionals and community representatives.
	World Habitat Day in Tanzania was marked by colourful celebrations in Dar es Salaam. The Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development addressed the public through his televised speech where he highlighted the importance of World Habitat Day and the government plans toward human settlements and urban planning. He went further to state that the government has many programmes but there is also lack of professionals in the relevant areas and sometimes faced lack of proper supervision. Various stakeholders from the media, MDA, NGOs, CBOs, Private sector, Microfinance Banks, National Housing Corporation, the Ministry of Infrastructure, UN, Real Estates companies were represented.
	The immediate former Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, observed the World Habitat Day in her home town Muleba, in Tanzania by launching a youth group for decent homes and clean neighbourhoods.
	In a colourful event in Dar es Salaam, the Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development addressed the public through his televised speech to mark the World Habitat Day. He started his speech by highlighting the importance of World Habitat Day with an emphasis that the government of Tanzania in collaboration with UN-HABITAT in Tanzania is celebrating this very important event by highlighting the government plans toward human settlements and urban planning. He went further to state that the government has many programmes but there is also lack of professionals in the relevant areas and sometimes we are facing lack of proper supervision. The event was attended by various stakeholders from the media, MDA, NGOs, CBOs, Private sector, Microfinance Banks, National Housing corporation, the Ministry of Infrastructure, UN and Real Estates companies.
Togo	SAID-Togo celebrates World Habitat Day in Lomé through drawing competitions, essay writing, media debates, and drawing competitions under the theme Better City, Better Life. The Essay writing competition is organized in collaboration with the English Club University of Lomé. The media debate programme is to bring the citizens to reflect on the state of cities and on the fundamental right to decent housing. It also intends to draw the attention of citizens to their collective responsibilities for the future of the human habitat. The drawing competition engages the students in primary schools and is intended to bring the students to think about their cities, the things they like, and those they do not like about their cities.
Togo	The Ministry of Planning and Housing has planned World Habitat Day activities from 1 October to 7 October in Kara. Activities including Open race, Exhibitions, and Speeches.
Tunisia	Tunisia celebrated Arab and World Habitat Days under the themes “adequate housing to the environment, a right for all” and “a better city, better life”. Tunisia published a declaration on this occasion highlighting the appropriateness of the subjects chosen to celebrate Arab and World Housing Day and the policy adopted by President Ben Ali which aims at consecrating comprehensive and sustainable development.
Uganda	This years' World Habitat Day will be celebrated in Tororo Municipal Council in Kampala. The event will be graced by the Vice President of Uganda, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the Mayor of Tororo among others. The events to be held include; Laying a foundation stone for the UN-HABITAT funded (ERSO) slum upgrading project in Tororo municipal council; Launching of the Slum Upgrading Strategy for Uganda; Exhibitions by the Central and Local governments, private sector, NGOs, financial institutions etc; Radio and TV live talk shows on the theme Better City, Better Life and a TV documentary on the state of urbanization in Uganda.
	Youth Initiative for AIDS prevention (YIAP-Uganda) continues to mobilize their communities in raising issues of sustainable urbanization in Uganda.
	Uganda’s celebrations will be in Entebbe and the chief guests expected are the Prime Minister Apollo Nsibambi as well as the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and the Mayor of Entebbe among others. Events lined up include; Opening of the show room for the CDS funded projects in Entebbe Municipal Council; Launching of the Shelter Profile report for Uganda; Exhibitions by the Central and Local governments, private sector, NGOs, financial institutions etc; Radio and TV live talk shows on the theme Better City, Better Life and a TV documentary on the state of urbanization in Uganda. There will also be WHD 2010 magazine with articles from a wide range of stakeholder participation Youth Initiative for AIDS prevention (YIAP-Uganda) continues to mobilize their communities in raising issues of sustainable urbanization in Uganda. Other activities shall include a painting competition and a clean up exercise in the town.
	World Habitat Day was celebrated in Entebbe and was graced by the Prime Minister of Uganda, Prof. Apollo Nsibambi, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and the Mayor of Entebbe among others. The events held included; Opening of the show room for the CDS funded projects in Entebbe municipal council; Launching of the Shelter Profile report for Uganda; Exhibitions by the Central and Local governments, private sector, NGOs, financial institutions etc; Radio and TV live talk shows on the theme Better City, Better Life and a TV documentary on the state of urbanization in Uganda..
	Habitat for Humanity Uganda partnered with The Independent Publications Limited, a local but popular and widely read magazine in Uganda to publish an informative, educative pull-out highlighting the housing need in Uganda and the role played by key stakeholders in the provision of better housing.
Zambia	The Swedish Cooperative Centre is working with its partners to celebrate the World Habitat Day and to raise awareness on this year's theme Better City, Better Life in Zambia.
Zambia	Habitat for Humanity Zambia participated with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing in a session on World Habitat Day. The minister was the main speaker, while other speakers included UN-HABITAT, UNDP, Kitwe Mayor, the Canadian Ambassador to Zambia and HFH Zambia. Habitat for Humanity Zambia made a speech which focusing on the theme “Better City, Better Life” asking local authorities to work in partnership with NGO's in order to achieve better cities and improve the lives of urban inhabitants.
Zimbabwe	For the first time the World Habitat Day commemorations were organized by ZIM-Habitat in close collaboration with the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities. The National Housing Convention in November 2009 strongly recommended the establishment of ZIM-HABITAT which is the National Chapter on Human Settlements. Its broad mandate is to facilitate the formulation of the national housing policy and monitor its implementation through diverse stakeholders in the sector as well as to play an advisory role to the Ministry on matters related to policies and strategies on human settlement development in general. The commemorations 2010 were celebrated in Budiriro/Section 5 in Harare. Numerous guests were invited to visit a current housing consortium project in Budiriro. The City of Harare allocated undeveloped land to the consortium in December of 2004. The City of Harare mandated the consortium to do the following developments: Surveying, Water reticulation system, Sewer reticulation system, Road network and Building housing units for members. These developments were funded by member subscriptions only. To date the following has been achieved: Surveying 100%, Water reticulation 100%, Sewer reticulation 100%, Road network up to gravel level (the consortium is expected to tar the roads on their own before processing of title deeds), Housing units’ developments (consortium approximation 50%). The consortium went even further to partner the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) and provides about 70% of the required materials for the electricity grid. To date the project is 80% complete. All achievements made in the project were 100% self funded and the success was recorded under a hyperinflationary environment. All project participants believe this projects a success story in Southern Africa if not in Africa as a whole. The visit of the project site where the Guest of Honour, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities Hon. Giles T. Mutsekwa officially opened a model house was followed by speeches from Mr. J Chiyangwa (Director of Housing and Community Services/City of Harare), Hon. Dr.I.G. Karimanzira (Governor and Resident Minister for Harare Metropolitan Province) and L. Hlatywayo (Consortium Statement), Mr.Chiroto (Deputy Mayor of Harare),Mr.Tutisani (Chairperson ZIM Habitat) and Christine Umutoni (Country Director UNDP). The town clerk of the City of Harare Dr.Tendai Mahachi closed the event with a Vote of Thanks on behalf of the councillor for Ward 43. The celebration was accompanied by the Budiriro No. 5 Pry School &Churchill Pipe Band. UN Habitat office in Harare had sponsored 500 T-shirts for the event as well as a banner. The celebration concluded with a group lunch at Chinese Gardens Restaurant in Harare.

Country	Event
Habitat for Humanity Asia-Pacific region	In the virtual realm, an online T-shirt design competition on the theme Hard Hats for Habitat was launched on World Habitat Day. Habitat supporters across the Asia-Pacific were be invited to design a T-shirt which declares to their friends and the wider community that they want to help someone in need of decent shelter to have a better home. The T-shirt designs were uploaded on to a website to see which is the most popular. The T-shirt with the most number of votes will be produced by Habitat for Humanity to help raise awareness, support and funds for the mission. The winner will also receive several of such limited-edition T-shirts to give away to friends and family.
Australia	The International Union of Architects will organize the World Architecture Day on 4 October. The theme will be Better City, Better Life - Sustainable by Design to link to this year's World Habitat Day theme, Better City, Better Life. The initiative will involve UIA's 116 Member Sections in 124 countries.
Australia	Habitat for Humanity Australia served up a new event called “High Tea for Habitat” on World Habitat Day. The grand hostess (ambassador) of the event was Jill Jones-Evans, co-owner of the Victoria Room, who has been dubbed Sydney's Queen of High Tea.
Bangladesh	The Coalition for the Urban Poor has been formed with the guidance of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works of the Government of Bangladesh, and a group of Government and Non-Governmental organizations and activities chosen to celebrate this year's World Habitat Day. The Prime Minister will be the chief guest. A supplement highlighting the significance of the day in the Bangladesh context will be published in two Bengali and one English national dailies and talk shows hosted in the electronic media. A number of other public activities are also planned.
	CDC Bangladesh will organize a cultural event to celebrate World Habitat Day. The activities will include folk and classical dance.
	Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh teamed up with the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) and the local arm of the German development agency GTZ to commemorate the day with a roundtable forum. Papers were presented on the theme “Planning our Secondary Towns for Better Lives”. There was also an art exhibition entitled “Connecting” by Brazilian artist Cida Lima and Bangladeshi sculptor Anisuzzaman, an assistant professor of fine arts at Dhaka University, whose works reflect a construction theme. Other initiatives included the publication of a souvenir book and a media outreach plan.
	The Department of Real Estate, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, observed World Habitat Day jointly with United Nations Information Center (UNIC) and RUPANTAR (A Direct Partner of USAID working on climate change and sustainable housing issues in the country) on 4th October 2010 at University campus. As such, a Grand Rally and Seminar followed by a Cultural Program was organized.
Cambodia	Habitat for Humanity Cambodia mobilized over 150 local volunteers to work on its “Hard Hat Days” builds. Volunteer teams came from Pannasastra University, Logos and Northbridge International Schools, ANZ Royal Bank and TWR Radio Cambodia. The celebrations culminated with a special house dedication at the New Holistic Hope Community in Oudong, Kandal province, as well as the construction of the first house of its newest project, “Enhancing HIV/OAC Programs with Holistic Housing Solutions” in Sen Sok community.
China	The Global Observance of World Habitat Day this year will be held at the Shanghai World Expo 2010. Hosted by China's Ministry of Housing and Urban Rural Development and the Shanghai Municipal Government, the celebration of World Habitat Day will be a major concluding highlight of the Expo at which the United Nations has its own pavilion.
	The global celebration of World Habitat Day was celebrated with fanfare on as China and UN-HABITAT feted the 2010 winners of Scroll of Honour Awards, the World Habitat Awards and China's own Habitat Environment awards. With the Expo theme 'Better city, Better life', also chosen for to mark World Habitat Day, the highly publicised 2010 observance highlighted the actions and policies which can improve wellbeing for the millions and millions of people languishing in urban slums and other sub-standard housing around the world. In keynote addresses the main hosts on Monday, Mr. Shen Jun, Deputy Mayor of Shanghai, and Mr. Qi Ji, Deputy Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Developed both highlighted the progress China had made in providing as much housing as possible for those in need of shelter over the past 30 years. Addressing an audience that included several African mayors, both also offered to share the country's wisdom and know-how in housing policy with other developing countries around the world. Ambassador Inga Björk-Klevby, Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and Officer in Charge of UN-HABITAT, thanked the Chinese authorities in her keynote address for hosting the celebrations, and she also paid a special word of tribute to Dr. Behnam for making the UN pavilion such a success.
	Habitat for Humanity China's Hong Kong office designed a special polo T-shirt signed by two of their celebrity volunteers – actors Karen Mok and Daniel Wu. For a HK$100 (US$13) donation, caring companies associated with home design, furnishings and appliances received a shirt .Habitat also launched a school competition to educate and advocate for decent shelter.
	In Hong Kong, Habitat for Humanity China invited students from 1,500 primary and secondary schools to take part in a house design competition. Students were encouraged to visit HFH China's Tai O House Restoration Project and then submit their own design for a house built on stilts, like those in Tai O. The winning entries were showcased in a public exhibition in early 2011. In Shanghai, a series of Habitat builds will be organized in the Pinghu community outside the city.
India	Architectural Engineering Division of The Institution of Engineers, West Bengal State Centre, India will organise an all India Seminar on "Better City Better Life" on 4th and 5th October, 2010 at Kolkata, India. Mayor Shovan Chatterjee of the city of Kolkata is the Chief Patron of the event. The sub themes of the seminar are Better Environment, Better Transportation, Better Administration, Better Safety, Better Culture, Better Water & Sanitation, Better Development Planning.
	The Krityandand UNESCO Club of Jamshedpur in India has lined up various activities to mark this year's WHD. On the cards include a conference on 4 October 2010, on the theme "Ensure our Natural Environment". The club will also organise a field visit program on the theme how the industries are damaging our natural forest and misusing the local river water. The events will be at the Krityandand UNESCO Club in Jamshedpur.
	Bridge to India organizes a World Habitat Day event with decision makers and activists who are working in the field of urban planning, mobility, sustainability and energy supply in the megacity of Delhi. The forum will be to discuss further ways of acting towards a sustainable future of mega urban cities like Delhi.
	The Government of Rajasthan in India has plans to celebrate World Habitat Day in Jaipur on October 4. The planned events will include a seminar, an exhibition and street plays. The co-organisers include IHCN-F.
	The Government of India will organize a national World Habitat Day celebration in Delhi.
	The Government of Andhra Pradesh organizes a local awareness raising event on 4 October in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The event will involve other organisations to take up activities on the proposed theme "Better City, Better life".
	The Osmania Medical College will mark the World Habitat Day with a roundtable discussion on the theme Better City, Better Life' at Seminar Hall, Osmania Medical College, Koti, Andhra Pradesh.
	The Gujarat State Centre of the Institution of Engineers will organize activities to celebrate the World Habitat Day.
	The City Managers Association Orissa will organize an awareness programme on Urban Issues under the theme Better Cities, Better Life to raise awareness amongst the people living in cities in Orissa. The initiative will involve the participation of Urban Planners, Mayors, Engineers, Academics among other professions.
	Habitat for Humanity – India invites the public to the "Fun 'n Fundraiser" at High Street Phoenix Mall, Mumbai, from 29 September to 3 October. The five-day event will culminate with celebrations on the eve of World Habitat Day. For more details please contact info@hfhindia.org
	The Urban Planning and Design at Groupe SCE India will, as part of the World Habitat Day, conduct a locality based design exhibition to demonstrate the principles of sustainable urban design for strong neighbourhoods, in Bangalore.
	The Institute for Regional Development Studies at Kanpur will hold an expert group forum for spreading the message of World Habitat Day and also to discuss various problems related to development of urban settlements. The participants will be university level scholars, faculty members of technological institutions, planners, architects and other social workers.
	The Institution of Engineers has planned to celebrate World Habitat Day 2010 in its premises in Jammu, India.
	The Local Governance Network in Bhubaneswar will organize a round table workshop to raise awareness amongst the cities, with a focus on Climate Change, Good Governance, Heritage & Culture and Urban Mobility. The activities will include a Photo Exhibition focusing on the Better Cities, Better Life theme. Participants representing 35 cities are expected to attend.
	The Center for Housing and Urbanization hosts the first 'South India Green' conference in Chennai. The conference will create and sustain a dialogue for sustainable development in India
	The Faculty of Architecture, Integral University, Lucknow will organize a World Habitat Day quiz, poster and collage making competition on a topic related to this year's theme, better city better life on 1 October, and the prizes given on 4 October.
	Centre for Urban Studies, AMR – APARD, celebrated the World Habitat Day on 4th October in the pearl city of Hyderabad. Various competitions were conducted for the students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, NIRD Campus and School of Planning and Architecture of Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad. Nearly 450 students participated in these competitions which included 1) Poster Design depicting a city, 2) Painting, 3) Elocution and 4) Essay writing. On 4th October at 3.00 P.M. main function was organized in the auditorium of AMR – APARD, where in Prof.P.Padmavathi, Vice Chancellor of JNAFAU, Hyderabad delivered the world Those who secured first place in the competition were given the T Shirts sent by UN Habitat and a group photo was taken with them. Prof.Raghunadha Reddy briefed the gathering as to how the events were conducted and thanked all those people who have actively supported the event.
	Habitat for Humanity India hosted a series of events at a popular mall in Mumbai which sees on the average 40,000 shoppers a day. Part fund-raiser, part awareness-building, the activity invited shoppers to donate toward the purchase of bricks, roof tiles, windows and doors for the building of a model Habitat home. Shoppers were photographed wearing hard hats as they add a piece to complete the construction of the model home.
	Habitat for Humanity India invited shoppers at a popular mall in Mumbai to donate toward the purchase of bricks, roof tiles, windows or door to build a model house.
	The Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation in India organized an event where Kumari Selja, Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and the Minister of Tourism delivered the World Habitat Day address on the occasion. Secretaries in the States / UTs dealing with Housing and Human Settlement, Mayors / Municipal Commissioners of 63 Mission Cities and other Dignitaries attended the celebrations.
	The BMS College of Engineering Auditorium celebrated World Habitat Day in Bangalore India. Photos taken on the unique occasion can be found at the following link. http://www1.snapfish.in/snapfishin/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=3094622017/a=143867311_143867311/
	Nagaland state joined the rest of the world in observing World Habitat Day, under the theme ‘Better City, Better Life’ at Chaü Parking with minister for urban development and Higher & Technical Education, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsü gracing the occasion as the chief guest. Speaking at the occasion, the Minister called for greater and concerted efforts to sustain and develop the ‘symbiotic relationship’ of men and space, men and the land he lives in. As part of the day’s programme, 25 buses under the initiative, Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) of the ministry of urban development were added. Winners of an essay competition were awarded prizes on this occasion.
	Green Succession of Nagaland State (Green-Sons) celebrated World Habitat Day celebrations in Dimapur on 4 October. The event was held at the Imliyanger Memorial Centre.The Chairman of Green-Sons, T. Murry urged students who attended the programme to spread awareness among their friends. “Reach out to fellows to take part in such campaigns so that our efforts are beneficial for all,” he advised. The programme was graced by chairman of Nagaland Pollution Control Board, A Rongsenwati as chief guest.
	The University of Madras and Centre for Development Finance affiliated to IFMR organized the inaugural session of the World Habitat Day, graced by, Minister for Information and Urban Development Parithi Illamvazhuthi. The Minister spoke about the need to implement policies more effectively and usher in more transparency in the processes. G. Thiruvasagam, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Madras stressed the need to involve the society, especially youngsters in improving living conditions in cities. British Deputy High Commissioner Mike Nithavrianakis talked about the need to embark on a path to sustainable development by addressing concerns such as climate change and rapid urbanisation. Citing the event as an opportunity to reflect on the condition of our cities, retired IAS officer P.M. Belliappa said that it was time to remind ourselves of the collective responsibility to improve our habitat. He highlighted the importance of involving the community in preserving cultural artefacts and the monuments that served as historical reminiscences. At the function, www.Transparentchennai.com, an interactive website that provides useful information about the city was launched. Apart from details of major projects like flyovers and buildings, slums, bus routes, public toilets, the website has the contact details of elected representatives. Citizens interested in mapping their own information will be provided guidance, feedback and resources, said Nithya Raman, project head, Transparent Chennai. “The initiative will enable the citizens to understand the city better, know where things went wrong, seek accountability,” she added.
	Dr A Ravindra, advisor to the chief minister on urban affairs, called for a halt to free parking facilities in most parts of the city. He was speaking at a seminar on ‘Better City, Better Life’, organised on the occasion of World Habitat Day by architecture students of BMS College of Engineering. Panelists at the event also included Ragini Narayan, trustee of BMS Education Trust; Vijay Gore, former additional chief secretary and Dr Eswaran Subrahmanian, chief scientist of CSTEP who spoke on how to build cities under the guidelines of the UN. Ravindra said that he had suggested the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to stop offering individual sites in the new layouts. Ravindra stressed the need to renovate old areas to protect heritage structures. Illustrating photographs taken from Shanghai, Dr. Subrahmanian explained the relevance of developing city infrastructure in a comprehensive way. Experts suggested the students to think independently and re-look at the infrastructure in cities.
	Costford organized a World Habitat Day event on 4 October in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State, India. Among the invited guests was the poet Sugathakumari.
	The Dept of planning, School of Architecture and Planning Anna University Chennai in association with the Centre for Technology Development Transfer, Anna University, Chennai and the Indian Institute of Architects, Tamil Nadu Chapter organized an essay Competition for Architecture and Planning Students dubbed “Building Better Cities-Way Out”. The inaugural function was attended by 100 students of Architecture and Planning for SAP Campus and Professional town planners and architects, academic and non teaching staff from the University.
Indonesia	On 4 October the Ministry of Housing held a press conference to explain about this year's theme and activities, and launch a photo exhibition on urban issues and paintings of children's drawing competition. The highlight of the celebration was on October 18. The Minister for Housing, Suharso Monoarfa launched two books on housing and urban development in Indonesia.
	A series of seminars and discussions were organized around the theme Better City Better Life. On September 30 the Ministry of Housing held a seminar on 'Better City, Better Life - creating a humane and sustainable city', inviting mayors from three cities that ranked highest in the Indonesian Association of Planner's (IAP) survey of Most Liveable CIties in Indonesia: Yogyakarta, Manado and Palembang. On October 19-20, the Directorate General of Spatial Planning, Ministry of Public Works, IAP, the French Government and UN-Habitat organized a seminar on “South East Asia Metropolises and Urbanisation: Challenges and Tools in the Context of Climate Change”. The seminar brought together planners, researchers and local governments to discuss climate change and create a network that is more responsive towards climate change and participate in 100 cities initiatives. The Directorate General of Human Settlements, Ministry of Public Works held a seminar on 'Building Collective Responsible for a Quality City' on October 26 and another seminar on 'Creating Better Buildings and Spaces for Better Life' on OCtober 28.
	The Ministry of Public Works hosted the Sanitation Jamboree for middle-high school students and 3-R communities from October 12-27. The National Habitat Secretariat and the Institute of Technology hosted the Youth Urban Forum and invited university students to discuss urban issues and the role of youth in sustainable urbanization he. A media campaign to promote World Habitat Day and increase the public awareness on urban issues were aired on national radio, TV stations and newspapers/ magazines through-out October. A bycicle tour is organized was held where cyclists toured the main street of Jalan Jendral Sudirman and distribute promotional material on WHD to the public. Further information World Habitat Day activities in Indonesia can be accessed at www.habitat-indonesia.or.id
Iran	The Environment and Sustainable Development Office (ESDO) of Tehran Municipality celebrated World Habitat Day under the title of “Electronic Cities on the road to Better City, Better Life ”. The ESDO held its program under two categories: 1. Conference and Specialized Panels focusing on “Electronic Cities on the road to Better City, Better Life”; 3 0ctober 2010, and 2. Festival of “Better City, Better Life” for youth and children; 11-12 October 2010
Korea	Habitat for Humanity – Korea holds World Habitat Day events in Seoul Plaza. The event will be to advocate the fundamental human right to adequate shelter. The activities will include among others, building a moving house.
Korea	Over in Seoul, Habitat for Humanity Korea had an extraordinary fashion show featuring hard hats, white shirts and jeans. “We at Habitat for Humanity hope that everyone who is concerned about decent housing joins a World Habitat Day activity to stand with others who want to make adequate housing a priority, to help build strong and healthy families and communities,” said Peter Gape, Habitat's director of regional programs, Asia-Pacific.
Malaysia	The Ministry of Housing and Local Government of Malaysia had a publication entitled Habitat Magazine in commemoration of World Habitat Day.
Mongolia	Habitat for Humanity Mongolia celebrated World Habitat Day with the dedication of 52 houses in Ulaanbaatar, Khangai, Erdenet and Darkhan. The Habitat team in Ulaanbaatar said “thank you” to students from a local technical college who volunteered at the recent Blue Sky international blitz build. The Khangai program team highlighted the need for decent housing among local NGOs, churches, the media, governors and government representatives.
Mongolia	The Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) celebrated the World Habitat Day in three areas: 1. In Uvurkhangai province, the Community Saving Groups (CSG) and Community Development Fund (CDF) had essay competitions and paintings, exhibition between local people. The theme was "My ger and my street", and was held on 2nd of October, 2010.. 2. In Khan-Uul district, 5th khoroo, in Ulaanbaatar, CSGs held an opening ceremony of a "Senior's park", on the 1st of October. This event involved people from the grassroots, CSGs members, and representatives from the Municipality and media. 3. In Darkhan city, CSGs had a debate on the housing issue and how to improve their lives, houses, streets and so on.
Nepal	During Habitat for Humanity Nepal's Everest Build, about 700 international and Nepali volunteers were invited to display their national flags and declare that they are committed to the mission of elimination of poverty housing. Government and local UN-Habitat representatives participated.
	Nepal International Consumers Union observed World Habitat Day through Radio Programs, Workshops amongst local community, Print media. They also supplied free drinking water to schools on 5 October.
	The Urban Development and Building Construction Department, in Kathmandu celebrated World Habitat Day on 4 October by organising various programmes. The Urban Development and Building Construction Department organised a function where participants said that increase in migration and lack of education, health, drinking water and sanitation facilities have affected normal life. On the occasion, the State Minister for Physical Planning and Work Sanjaya Kumar Saha said political instability was the main reason of unorganised settlement. Assistant Minister for Physical Planning and Work Kalawati Paswan stressed for increasing awareness about the day among rural folks. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Works has been celebrating the Day in cooperation with other government and non-government organization working in the sector after the United Nations designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day since 1995.
New Zealand	The University of Auckland plans to organize a series of events on World Habitat Day this year and during the week that follows WHD. Activities will include a seminar, a photo competition and a few other activities on campus.
New Zealand	The University of Auckland organized a series of events on World Habitat Day this year and during the week that followed World Habitat Day. Read more..
Pakistan	The Pakistan Wetlands Programme had World Habitat Day activities to commemorate the Day in Pakistan. The Pakistan Wetlands Programme objective is to conserve the globally important wetlands biodiversity in Pakistan while alleviating poverty. It is a progressive initiative of the Federal Ministry of Environment and is being implemented by the World Wide Fund for Nature, Pakistan (WWF-P). It is funded by consortium of national and international donors including, the Global Environment Facility(GEF), United Nations Development Programme(UNDP),Embassy of Kingdom of Royal Netherlands (EKN),WWF-Network.
Philippines	The Butter N Toast Toastmasters Club in Makati City marks this year's World Habitat Day through presentations and speeches on this year's World Habitat Day theme, Better City, Better Life. The initiative will engage the Toastmasters in a speech and discussion session on City Life in the Philippines, and in other parts of the world, and is aimed at advocating for a Better Life. The event will be held in Makati City, Philippines on 14 October 2010
	The Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) in the Philippines, through the North Luzon Operations Group plans to participate in this year's propagation of the theme Better City, Better Life, through information dissemination campaigns during office flag ceremonies, various fora with employers, developers, and other key partners in the housing finance industry, and other multi-media engagements.
	Habitat for Humanity Philippines engaged and energized their volunteers to join the fight against poverty housing through various digital media avenues. In October, the theme Hard Hats for Habitat will underpinned a series of activities including a social media blitz, a youth build, a bloggers' build and a comprehensive media outreach exercise featuring print editorials, radio interviews, cinema and outdoor public service announcements.
	The UN-HABITAT Country office in the Philippines celebrated World Habitat Day 2010 on October 4 at the UN Offices at RCBC Plaza in Makati City with partners from the urban sector. The main activity was the convening of the Human Settlements Committee co-chaired by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and UN-HABITAT to discuss 1) the ongoing on-site relocation project in the Hankins community in Pasay City which involves the construction of a medium-rise building for affected 120 families, 2) updates on the policy reforms advocated by the Philippine Urban Consortium and 3) partnerships for the Montalban Resettlement Project. Around 50 participants from the national and local governments, business sector, civil society, academe and urban poor sector participated in the forum.
Sri Lanka	The Condominium Management Authority, a government agency in Sri Lanka will publish their annual magazine for the World Habitat Day event in Sri Lanka.
	Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka hosted its first Global Village volunteer team in four years. HFH Sri Lanka, partnering with the Stitch Movement, a local initiative to encourage youth volunteerism and activism in the country, organized a one-kilometer barefoot walk to remember those without adequate housing.
	Women's CO-OP in Sri Lanka celebrated the World Habitat day in Colombo by focusing on implementing the Condominium Act of 1973. Women's CO-OP is working for the rights for the dwellers of condominiums. The Co-op launched a programme to commemorate World Habitat Day in the housing scheme with the participation of Urban development Authority, REEL Company , Community Development Council in the particular Scheme and other CDC leaders.
	The Ministry of Construction, Engineering and Common Amenities, Sri Lanka, organized a programme of events at the Fort Art Center in Battaramulla to observe World Habitat Day 2010. Please download document with more information from here
Thailand	LUSH celebrates the World Habitat Day in Bangkok through social and cultural events planned to provide shelter and helping alleviate the most urgent needs of the urban poor the city of Bangkok.
	Habitat for Humanity programs held special builds in October. In Thailand, simultaneous builds in four locations – Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Pathum Thani and Ranong, coupled with media interviews in Bangkok, raised awareness of the issues of inadequate housing and call for volunteers to help build better homes to transform lives. Over in Bangladesh , a Hard Hats for Habitat build was organized.
	Thailand had land reform as a key issue for its WHD celebrations, as the Baan Mankong slum upgrading project is now spreading to rural areas, requiring land surveys and mapping, so land is a very important issue with regard to housing in Thailand. There was a succession of events across the country throughout October, involving over 11,000 people. It culminated with the main event on the 22nd of October, in Pathum Thani province, with a visit by the Prime Minister. The province has many cities undertaking city-wide upgrading, with the support of the Provincial Governor, who has made city-wide upgrading a policy. He has also linked with the Land Department to facilitate the rules and regulations with regard to land and land allocation.
Vietnam	An exchange visit in Vinh was organzed with groups from Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines joining in with local teams , from 1-4 October. The trip started with a visit of the savings groups activities in Danang, where there are 2000 savings groups, each very small, around 10 members. These savings groups are managed by the Women’s Union and linked to the CDF. The group visited the savings groups, shared ideas, with the aim of eventually organizing a workshop on savings groups in the future. On the second day, the group went to the city of Vinh, where a formal event was held on the morning of the 3rd, with a site visit to and the inauguration of the Huu Nghi community’s housing project, with speeches from the community leader, and representatives from the Ministry of Construction, the provincial People’s Committee, and ACHR. This project is one where the poor have been able to negotiate a lower standard of construction than legally required, allowing appropriate housing for the poor. This was followed by an afternoon discussion on the implementation of the peoples’ housing projects in Vietnam, allowing for international sharing of ideas amongst the participants.
Vietnam	UN-HABITAT Vietnam in co-operation with Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association (VUPDA) organized the conference “HANOI MILLENNIUM - City Past and Future”. It was also a realistic action to contribute for the 1000th Anniversary of Ha Noi. The workshop went through current challenges of Ha Noi and solutions to address those challenges. Then it came up with initiatives, concrete plan to draw the future of Hanoi, to make it become a better city.

Country	Event
Austria	World Habitat Day was celebrated in Vienna by presentation of UN-HABITAT's Scroll of Honor Award to the Honorable Michael Haupl on behalf of the City of Vienna for the significant work of the city in social housing. The celebrations were held in Vienna City Hall.
Belgium	The European celebration on Monday 4 October highlighted the importance of partnership between the European Union and UN-HABITAT. The partnership is symbolised in part by new European funding to the tune of euros 10 million (USD 13.3 million) announced to help improve the living conditions of slum dwellers in all the 79 Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. The 2010 European celebration of World Habitat Day in Brussels was attended by senior European and Belgian officials. Gracing the occasion as guest of honour was Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mrs. Isabelle Durant, a Member of the Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly and Substitute Member in the European Parliament's Committee on Transport. She cited the importance of cities "at the heart of sustainable development". She also said there was a need to foster a better quality of life in cities through reducing the effects of climate change by adopting measures to lower energy and fuel consumption in urban areas, particularly carbon emissions by the transport sector in developed countries. Calling cities "the hot spots" of climate change, she advocated change in consumption habits, lifestyle and practices, concluding that cities must adopt good urban governance policies, remain active in exchanging good urban practices and most importantly - develop innovative models of urban mobility. Ms. Durant expressed her wish to continue cooperation with UN-HABITAT on these matters. Keynote speaker, Mr. Pierre Valette, from the European Commission's Research Directorate, delivered a presentation on the "World and European Cities - Insights from EU Research", a publication co-authored by his Directorate and UN-HABITAT - another symbol of the longstanding tradition of partnership between the agency and the EU's executive, the European Commission. Mr. Valette spoke about the European Commission's concept of Cities of Tomorrow and how to make them more sustainable and better places tin which to live in the face of contemporary urban and environmental challenges. Mr. Jean Bakole, Director of UN-HABITAT Representation Office to the European Union and Belgium, inaugurated the event and Ms. Afsane Bassir-Pour, Director of United nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC), presented the message of the United Nations Secretary General.
Germany	The University of Leipzig will organize a half-day poster exhibition on the World Habitat Day and the important theme Better City, Better Life, at the Institute of Geography.
Italy	CISL Taranto will celebrate World Habitat Day through an initiative developed in partnership with the Province and the CISL national, at the Enterprise Hall, Taranto. Invited guests include Mr. Julius Colecchi, General Secretary of CISL; Daniela Fumarola, General Secretary of CISL Taranto; Prof. Luigi Fusco Girard of the University of Naples and Dr. Salvatore Pisconti, Prof. Francis Marcaletti, Faculty of Sociology, Catholic University of St. Heart of Milan, Prof. Frederick Pirro, University of Bari, and an expert in economics and industrial history, Dr. John Florida, President of the Province of Taranto.
Italy	Oasi Zegna, an environmental improvement project by Zegna Group started in 1993, celebrated the World Habitat Day with outdoor educational activities for children. Having the education of the future generations as its main objective, Oasi Zegna proposes during the whole year, several educational activities, including celebrations on the occasion of some important anniversaries concerning environment. In 2010 Oasi Zegna is partner of 2010 IYB, corporate partner of Billion Tree Campaign and celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity and World Environment Day.
Spain	World Habitat Day celebrations will start in the framework of the Congress "Rehabilitation and Sustainability: the future is possible" www.rsf2010.org in collaboration with the Spanish Council of Technical Architecture, the Spanish Ministry for Housing and Metropolis. Discussion panels will follow under the theme "Responsibilities and challenges of local governments in the sustainability of the urban planning" focusing in the Latin America and Mediterranean countries. At the same time, a series of events with the civil society will take place at the Barcelona Maritime Museum, including the projection of the winner of the short-movies competition "Better City, Better Life". The call for submissions is open till September 15th, procedures available at: www.whdfilmcompetition.pbworks.com. For more information about World Habitat Day in Spain, please contact: urban.eu@vivienda.es
	To celebrate World Habitat Day, this year the UN-HABITAT office in Barcelona is organizing an institutional event within the Congress; "Rehabilitation and Sustainability: the future is possible" followed by a Panel discussion under the title: "Responsibilities and challenges of local governments in the sustainability of the urban planning" 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.
	UN-HABITAT has organized a series of events in Barcelona that begin on Monday, October 4 with an institutional act of Congress "Rehabilitation and Sustainability: the future is possible," event open to members, to be followed by a series of panels organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Metropolis of Spain. UN-HABITAT has also organized an exchange of experiences on decentralization and municipal development in Latin America and the Mediterranean.
	The Professional Association of Technical Architects of Catalonia in Barcelona is supporting the organization of the World Habitat Day in several Mediterranean cities.
	The UN-HABITAT office in Barcelona has organized 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" 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: unhabitat.barcelona@gmail.com
	The UN-HABITAT office has also launched a short-film competition. Three films will be shown during the observance of World Habitat Day in Barcelona on 4 October. More information is available at www.whdfilmcompetition.pbworks.com
	The Barcelona Architects Association will organize a congress in Barcelona from 4 to 6 October. The congress focuses on sustainable revitalization and it is sponsored by government bodies including the Ministry for Housing, the Province, the Region and the City Council.
	UN-HABITAT Barcelona organized a series of events beginning on 4 October with an institutional act of Congress "Rehabilitation and Sustainability: the future is possible," which was followed by a series of panels organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing of Spain and Metropolis. In the following days, UN-HABITAT organized an exchange of experience on decentralization and municipal development in Latin America and the Mediterranean. For more information on these activities please contact: spain@onuhabitat.org
Switzerland	The World Business Council for Sustainable Development creates raises awareness of World Habitat Day through their WBCSD website, www.wbcsd.org.
Portugal	LIPOR has organized to have presentations dubbed "Cidades Verdes" (Green Cities) on the World Habitat Day theme, Better City, Better Life. The speakers will include Dr. Fernando Leite and Dr. Susana Abreu of Lipor.
Portugal	The Portuguese Ministry for Environment and Spatial Planning held country-level activities to celebrate World Habitat Day.
Russia	UN-HABITAT Russia will hold a conference on the theme Better City, Better Life in Moscow with the participation of government officials, MPs, city planners, NGOs and international organizations. The conference will be co-organised jointly with the Free Economic Society of the Russian Federation.
	A national workshop in the city of Tver will bring together six women's organizations to discuss activities aimed at the promotion of women's safety in Russian cities. The following Russian cities will be represented: Moscow, Tver, Pushchino, Dubna, Petrozavodsk, Cheliabinsk.
	The Russian Regional Development Ministry, the Free Economic Society of Russia and the Moscow Office of UN-HABITAT held a conference on World Habitat Day that drew more than 50 representatives of national ministries, Parliament, Moscow city authorities, academia, NGOs, trade unions, local authorities and the media. Delegates were presented with the Russian language edition of UN-HABITAT's flagship quarterly magazine, Urban World. Deputy Regional Development Minister Konstantin Korolevsky and Senator Oleg Tolkachev dwelled on the government’s efforts to provide affordable housing to the population of Russia. The right to adequate housing was in the focus of presentations by Dirk Hebekker, Senior Adviser from OHCHR Moscow, and Mikhail Shmakov, Chairman of the Russian Independent Trade Unions Federation. Evgeny Markov, President of the Union of Russia’s Small Towns, called for balanced state policies of urban development – the policies which take into account the needs of small towns. Alexander Puzanov, Director General of the Urban Economics Institute, provided a scholar’s view on the development of affordable housing market in the country. Anatoly Amelin, MP from the town of Pushchino, provided information on public initiatives to improve the town environment. Elizaveta Bozhkova, the head of Information Centre of the Independent Women’s Movement, called on government officials to focus not only on the provision of affordable housing, but also on the creation of a safe and friendly urban environment. She also cited initiatives to improve city safety. Rasikh Sagitov, Secretary General of the Euro-Asian branch of the world organization “United Cities and Local Authorities”, highlighted the importance of local self-government for sustainable urban development, while Lubov Ermolaeva, a member of the UN-HABITAT Youth Council, provided information on youth initiatives, which are to make our cities and our lives better. A detailed transcript of the conference will be published by the Free Economic Society of Russia.
The Netherlands	The Netherlands Slum Dwellers Program, Cordaid, will organize an event on 4 October to draw attention through Dutch media to the rapid urbanization worldwide and the conditions the urban poor live in; organize an eventful and creative day and to create a link between the lives of the urban poor in Africa, Latin America and The Netherlands. The event at Podium 0950 Rotterdam will be an interactive network meeting for which 60 people from different institutions, backgrounds, and walks of life are invited. The guests will take a creative trip around the world and "visit" the three different identified neighborhoods created in three different rooms with three different ambiances, linked to a specific city that is used as a case study (a slum in Cape Town, a slum in El Salvador, a krachtwijk in Rotterdam).
United Kingdom	The international non-profit organisation Architecture for Health in Vulnerable Environments (ARCHIVE) gave talks to students at University College London's Development Planning Unit and at Imperial College London about why housing should be a central strategy for preventing illness and providing care among the poor, during their event on 4-7 October to mark World Habitat Day. The talks drew on examples from ARCHIVE's work in Haiti and northwest London. During the week ARCHIVE also published an article on its website and, via social media, encouraged its online followers to reflect on the connection between housing and health.
	Amnesty International UK hosted a panel discussion and a short film screening about the impact of forced evictions with a special focus on Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria to mark World Habitat Day 2010. Over 200,000 people are currently facing eviction because the authorities plan to demolish more than 40 informal settlements in Port Harcourt’s waterfront area as part of the ‘urban renewal’ of the city. Thousands have already lost their livelihoods as well as their homes to make way for private development involving an 8 screen cinema (already built), and a planned shopping mall, conference centre, hotel and theme park. Speakers included Joseph Croft, Stakeholder Democracy Network, Lucy Freeman, Nigeria Team Amnesty International and Naomi McAuliffe, Amnesty International UK
	Muslim Aid has urged governments to honour their collective commitment to provide their people with adequate shelter as part of creating more equal and just societies. Muslim Aid also reiterated its firm resolve to help communities that have lost their homes due to natural and man-made disasters through its relief and development projects by providing temporary shelter, permanent housing and access to clean water. A Spokesperson for Muslim Aid said: “This task of providing shelter and housing requires both national and international efforts and practical solutions, especially for people affected by crisis and natural disasters. On this day we remind the international community that 640 million children in developing countries still live without adequate shelter and around 55 million people last year were affected by extreme weather conditions across the world. Simple measures such as providing transitional shelter or good drainage systems can save peoples lives.” Muslim Aid is currently implementing shelter and construction programmes in many countries across the world in order to make people’s habitat safer and comfortable. It has also completed flood mitigation projects in Indonesia to improve protection against future flooding. These projects have allowed communities to flourish and children to build a life filled with security and peace.

Country	Event
Argentina	A special invitation to the Rodrigo Bueno, Buenos Aires City for World Habitat Day celebrations on 6 October to highlight the important theme Better City, Better Life. The special invitation has been sent to the Information Center of the United Nations - CINU, Chamber of Deputies and Chamber of Senators, Social organizations, Non-governmental organizations of promotion and development, cooperatives, public organisms, universities and centers of research, international organisms in Argentina and social movements.
Brazil	Conferência Criança Brasil no Milênio and OPA Brazil will organize an event to mark World Habitat Day celebrations at City Hall Chamber of Nerópolis in Goiás, in Brazil on 4 October. This will be a special session dedicated to the presentation of the views and expressions of better city, better life for children between the ages of 6 and 14 years, in the region.
	The Movement of Slum Women will organize a local awareness event in Southern Region Fluminense, covering about 19 cities in Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro State to encourage the introduction of urban sustainability in the school curriculum; organize competitions in schools and colleges to find solutions to human settlements and urban problems, create awareness of the World Habitat Day; highlight the problems and opportunities on the theme of this year, Better City, Better Life, providing a sustainable urban world through exhibitions, events and discussions with policy makers, including government officials, academics, journalists, other professionals and community representatives; publicize, reward and demonstrate tangible improvements and practices to ensure a sustainable world city, to harness the potential and possibilities, reduce inequalities and disparities and provide a home for people of all cultures and ages, both rich and poor communities in the region.
	CCBM Brazil will organize an awareness-raising event for World Habitat Day celebrations in Brazil, in Nerópolis on 4 October. The special session at City Hall Chamber of Nerópolis in Goiás, is dedicated to the presentation of the views and expressions on better city, better life. The initiative will involve children of 6-14 years of the region and other municipalities.
	In Nerópolis a special session dubbed “The Children, thinking on the construction of a city and a better life in the Municipality”, was held at the Town Hall of Nerópolis on 4 October 2010. This special session involving children aged between 6 and 14 years was requested by the OPA/CCBM and granted by City Council Nerópolis. Activities involved public dialogue between children and community authorities and the municipality of Nerópolis about the interests, behavior, attitude and social responsibility of the child as a citizen of law - citizen in childhood and adolescence in the same way that in adulthood and old age - in order to build a city and a better life for themselves and for the entire municipality. The session was also covered by local media, by the newspaper "O Popular" of Goiás who presented a report on it in its issue dated of October 05, 2010. The organisers of the event were Divino Roberto Verissimo of OPA and Maria Rosa of the Education Secretary of Nerópolis, the teachers guiding the children's clubhouse of Nerópolis who mounted an exhibition of poems, pictures and drawings of children on the city in the lobby of the House. The event had an audience of 220 people.
Colombia	The University in Bogotá is organizing a students workshop to commemorate World Habitat Day. The workshop will last for three days (30 sept, 1 and 4 october) and it aims at creating a space for students, organized by groups, to answer one of six questions around how cities use public spaces, our identity as urban dwellers, the meaning of wealth, the use of free time and consumptions patterns. Written and visual material will be produced during the event.
	The University of Colombia in Antioquia hosted the Habitat month. acivities included lectures and an international workshop. The American Biennial of Architecture and Urban Planning event was also hosted at the University.
	For the celebration of the World Habitat Day 2010, UN-HABITAT’s National Office in Colombia had these activities: On 31 September Tree Planting and Stand Up for MDG 7 at the El Tunal Park. Partners included Botanical Garden, United Nations Volunteers and Habitat for Humanity. On 1 October, the Safer Cities for Women March in the Candelaria (Bogota´s historic district) with the Woman and Habitat Network held the Safer Cities for Women Dialogue with Bogota´s Mayor, UNIFEM and and the Woman and Habitat Network, at the Historic Urban Heritage Institute. On 30 September and 1 -4 October, the ‘Dreams inspire the future of cities. Cities in 2030’ event was held in partnership with the University of Rosario. The highlight of the activities was on 4 October with the National Habitat Committee Seminar at UNDP Colombia. The subject was ‘Contributions for the new housing and urban development national policy’On 5 October, two dialogues, Dialogue on National and Local Housing Improvement Policies, in Kairos and Interlocal Forum of the Youth Violence Prevention Platform at the Familia Ayara Foundation Hill were held. The partners included Planning National Department (DNP), Habitat Secretary of Bogota and Decent Housing Alliance (NGOs) and Government Secretary of Bogota’s Mayor and Urban Youth Platform.
	The School of Habitat, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellin Branch, celebrated World Habitat Day by organizing a Seminar on Sustaniable Habitat . This has been a tradition since 2008. In that year, the presentation of six books produced by the Master Programme in Habitat students who had a "meritory" distincion in their thesis, and by three of the School's proffessors presenting published research results. These activities were linked to the OPEN CITY event of Medellin city government, which also makes part of the International Architecture Biennale. The central event of this week were the dissertations of Dr. Roberto Fernandez of Universidad de la Plata in Argentina
Cuba	On 1 September 2010 the World Habitat Day "Better Cities Better Life" National Contest was launched. This involved children and youth from the educational system of Cuba and communitarian projects. The contest is about how citizens can contribute for a better city and a better life.
	Provincial governments of La Habana, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Holguín and Bayamo will organize a workshop on "Developing Better Cities" in the five provinces. This activity also supports the 100 cities initiative, and will be held on 29 – 30 September.
	There will be a National promotion of the World Habitat Day in Cuba by the Habitat National Committee from 4 September to 4 October. The promotion is through mass media, radio, TV, with a focus on Local Agenda 21 teams.
	On 4 October the People's National Assembly, local governments, Habitat National Committee Ministries and Institutions linked to Habitat issues, International Agencies of Cooperation and NGOs in Cuba will celebrate.
	On 7 October the WHO Collaborative Center of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology and members of the Halthy Shelter network will organize an international seminar on Healthy Shelter at NIHE and the city of La Habana.
Dominican Republic	Dominican Republic will have two events for WHD celebrations. The first one will take place on Saturday October 2 where 15 people from the national media will volunteer their time and work on home repair in an urban slum named El Bagazo, located in Haina, near Santo Domingo. The event seeks to build awareness among important media representatives. The second event is named “Ecoart in my Community” and will be carried out by Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Centro León, an important cultural center of the Dominican Republic. This event seeks to build awareness among community members about environmental protection of their own environment.
Dominican Republic	Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic had the following activities for World Habitat Day: 1. Voluntary Work Day: As part of Habitat’s advocacy efforts for WHD, fifteen volunteers from the national media were invited to work as volunteers on a day of home repair in an urban slum named El Bagazo, located in Haina, near Santo Domingo. The event sought to build awareness among important media representatives. 2. The event named “Ecoart in my Community” was carried out by Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Centro León, an important cultural center of the Dominican Republic. This event aimed to build awareness among community members about environmental protection of their own environment. By applying the tools of public art, it promotes collective participation of the people from the community involved, and stimulates critical dialogue and reflection on the care and cleanliness of the environment they inhabit.
Haiti	Réseau Haïtien d’Habitat Salubre and United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) on the occasion of World Habitat Day 2010 organized a talk about reconstruction, at the Hotel Le Plaza, Port-au-Prince, on Monday, October 4, 2010, from 10:00 am to noon, in the presence of several government ministers. This activity was marked by three presentations entitled "Where goes Port-au-Prince? Between the dream and reality", "The reconstruction of the districts with the communities", "Reconstruction for whom and by whom". There were also animated exchanges following these talks. UN-Habitat, the Réseau Haïtien d’Habitat Salubre and the UNFPA presented to the general public and participants in particular a number of initiatives and activities related to post-earthquake reconstruction and that would rebuild better cities and neighborhoods to improve the living conditions of the population
Jamaica	The Nationwide News Network plans to organize World Habitat Day awareness raising events in Kingston.
Republic of Panama	AVINA will mobilize some of the communities and cities they work with in Latin America, in awareness-raising activities for World Habitat Day.
Nicaragua	The city of Managua will hold a World Habitat Day activity at the Holiday Inn, Mombacho Salon where a Declaration for a Sustainable Habitat will be signed by Habitat Professionals Consultative Group in Nicaragua.
	The Habitat for Humanity in Nicaragua will join in on the World Habitat Day celebration and will inaugurate the itinerant photographic exhibition, rewarding the best exponents on the topics: A better city for a better life; and housing and health.
	The National Dialogue for Access to Serviced Land and Property Rights will organize a World Habitat Day event to promote the creation of a Permanent Forum for the Promotion of the Equitable Access to Suitable Housing. The event is organized by UN-HABITAT Nicaragua at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Managua.
	Movimiento Comunal Nicaragüense, Red de Vivienda, Central de Cooperativa de Vivienda has organized the second Community Congress for the Popular Housing Target, to check the commitments of the Plan of Fight realized during the first Congress for Popular Housing in 2009. The highlight will be to establish lines of action to carry out in 2011.
	UN-HABITAT Nicaragua and the Municipality of Managua have organized a forum to deliberate on "Equipment and Tools for the Modernization of Municipal Workshops." The target is to modernize municipal workshops of the Municipality of Managua in order to strengthen their capacity to maintain the fleet of vehicles assigned to the collection and transportation of solid waste. The event will take place at the Central Workshop of the Municipality of Managua
	The School of Architecture, Universidad Católica "Redemptoris Mater" has organized a "Congress for a Better World", to discuss various topics on environment protection The event will be at the Barcelo Montelimar Hotel in Montelimar Beach.
	Movimiento Comunal Nicaragüense in Nicaragua has mobilized the community to celebrate the World Habitat Day on "Building Cooperative Housing under the Law 677" by the National Government of Nicaragua. The event will be on 2 October at the Tiscapa Park.
	The Centro de Estudios y Promoción del Habitar-HABITAR has organized the Habitat Fair and Inauguration of the Environmental Risk Mitigation Works. The initiative will spread sustainable technologies to raise environmental standards in the popular neighborhoods of Managua and encourage public participation in the management of environmental risk. The event will take place at the Neighborhood Lomas de Guadalupe- District 7 in Managua.

Country	Event
Canada	The City of Toronto will mark World Habitat Day at the Toronto City Hall on Tuesday, October 5, by signing of the City of Toronto's new Housing Charter. This special event will be presided over by Mayor David Miller, and Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti, Chair, Affordable Housing Committee.
	The Toronto Housing Charter – Opportunity for All, the first in Canada, is a key part of Housing Opportunities Toronto—An Affordable Housing Action Plan 2010-2020, passed by the City Council on August 5, 2009. The Charter is designed to guide City Council and staff in their efforts to assist those who often face challenges finding affordable housing, from newcomers and single parents to seniors and those with disabilities. It states that all residents have the right to equal treatment in housing without discrimination as provided by the Ontario Human Rights Code.
	In addition, the event will also honour Toronto's Home Ownership Alternatives for being one of nine world-wide finalists for the UN's 2008-2009 World Habitat Awards. The City's affordable housing partners from the private and non-profit sectors and other governments, as well as other stakeholders and City staff will be on hand for the event.
	Habitat for Humanity in Montreal promotes World Habitat Day at a block party in the Habitat for Humanity store in Montreal.
	The Home Ownership Alternatives will organize a cocktail reception in recognition of the World Habitat Day and to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing in Toronto and Ontario. The event will be at the Enoch Turner School House, Toronto on 4 October between 5:00 pm - 7.00pm.
	The University of British Columbia Okanagan will hold its annual Urban Forum for Sustainability in collaboration with the local municipal government on World Habitat Day. Activities will include a panel discussion with academics and community stakeholders on campus, a mini-conference opened to graduate students from Western Canada, a public lecture open to the community and a photography or art contest involving the Faculty of Fine Arts.
	The City of Toronto proclaimed World Habitat Day with a flag-raising on the new green roof at Toronto City Hall. Habitat for Humanity Toronto co-sponsored the event with the City and its international flag was raised. The day also saw the signing of the City of Toronto’s new Housing Charter - to help the most vulnerable to find affordable housing.
	Habitat for Humanity Toronto commemorated World Habitat Day to raise awareness of the affordable housing need. HFH Toronto held several events on October 4th, 2010 focused on raising the awareness of the need of affordable housing in Toronto, Canada and around the world. The charity urged Torontonians to join them in commemorating World Habitat Day 2010 and advocating for affordable housing in the city.. In observance of the day, W. Edmund Clark, President and CEO of TD Bank Financial Group, opened trading on Toronto Stock Exchange on behalf of Habitat for Humanity Toronto and was be joined by Habitat Toronto homeowners, volunteers, partners and staff.
	The city of Toronto proclaimed World Habitat Day with a flag-raising on the new green roof at Toronto City Hall. Habitat for Humanity Toronto co-sponsored the event with the City.
United States	The CourtView Justice Solutions has planned The 2010 CourtView User Conference on the 4th and 5th of October, in Cleveland, Ohio, to mark the World Habitat Day. Special guest speakers Jeff Whytsell, Faith OutReach Director for our local Habitat for Humanity and the honorable Judge Ronald B. Adrine, Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Cleveland Municipal Court will be speaking at the event on helping the community and the justice system in Cleveland. User Conference attendees will learn how others within the justice community are helping Build a Better Community.
	The Honolulu Field Office in Hawaii of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development will develop an e-newsletter in celebration of World Habitat Day to highlight individuals and collectives pioneering some potent ideas to create better communities that improve lives and harness the potential of all people. The e-newsletter will be available on HUD in Hawaii webpage and emailed to Honolulu Field Office stakeholders network. It will focus on the immense possibilities being created by ordinary people to enrich the lives of others, promote their well-being and to contribute so communities thrive and flourish. It is through innovation and out-of-the-box thinking and doing that issues and challenges are redefined and new solutions are shaped. Featured innovative projects include: Institute for Human Services, an emergency shelter for the homeless, and its efforts to produce healthy food, teach sustainable living to kids and learn meaningful employment skills; Small, green affordable project for the elderly proposed for an area in New Orleans devastated by Hurricane Katrina selected as a finalist in a competition sponsored by the US Green Building Council and The Salvation Army. The home will be built and metrics applied regarding the green aspects. Molokai Habitat for Humanity is constructing an off-grid bamboo house that will be certified platinum by the US Green Building Council as a template for expanding capacity to produce homes that are greener and healthier. The e-newsletter will be published in October 2010.
	The NGO Committee on Human Settlements is organizing awareness-raising events for World Habitat Day in New York.
	The University of Wyoming in Larmaie, celebrates this year's World Habitat Day through community service involving their student-athletes.
	Habitat for Humanity International has World Habitat Day events planned in various parts of the world, including a major event in Washington DC featuring former President Jimmy Carter.
	University of California Berkeley and Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter organized one week long events surrounding World Habitat Day, dubbing it World Habitat Week! The hallmark of the week was a Photo Competition asking students "What Will You Build"? The University used Social Media, Facebook, to disseminate and bring awareness to the college community. More details on the event can be found here
	In Cornelius, North Carolina the World Habitat Day Lowe's Media Event was organized engaging the media, volunteers, donors and chambers. Lowe is in the process of building a Lowe's Companies sponsored home. This home is not only an excellent example of what an impact the Lowe's national partnership has made, but it is also an excellent promotion for our Green Building program. This house will be the first LEEDS-certified home.
	In Dickinson, Texas, the “Parade of Playhouses” event will mark World Habitat Day where tickets for mini Habitat for Humanity houses will be sold. Students from Wisconsin built two playhouses while volunteering. The students that take part in Youth United Habitat program will sell raffle tickets during Act! Speak! Build! Week.
	Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County hosted a photo contest and exhibit in conjunction with World Habitat Day, in Concord, North Carolina. Entrants submitted photos and a short narrative on what home means to them, and photos were displayed at an ongoing exhibit, opened with a reception on World Habitat Day. Photos will then be compiled in to a book and sent to lawmakers as an appeal for safe, affordable housing.
	Two houses were donated to the local affiliate by families from Montgomery, Alabama on the event of World Habitat Day. The sponsors for the rehabs are Kellogg and Winn Dixie
	In Pacoima, California, there was a 5 kilometer Habitat Way Walkathon in honor of World Habitat Day.
	Representatives from Habitat, Housing Authority, Rebuilding Together and Redevelopment Agency presented their programs during a World Habitat Day event in Warner Robins, Georgia called "Preparing Families for Homeownership" for housing agencies and enabling agencies. Enabling agencies such as Community Action Agency, Consumer Credit Counseling, Life Changers, State Dept. of Family and Children Services, food banks and churches will explain their programs to develop families.
	Several Community Work Days were held throughout the month of October in Prudenville, Michigan, involving local churches and civic groups.
	A former President and First Lady commemorated World Habitat Day with kick off to the 27th Annual Habitat for Humanity 'Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project'. Habitat for Humanity International is kicking off its 27th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, as well as other building and awareness raising events across the United States and around the world. Habitat for Humanity World Habitat Day events have been registered and descriptions can be found here
	Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County joined the celebration of World Habitat Day 2010 with special events planned for the next six weeks. These activities included: A call for more volunteers to help build the first Habitat home in the county. The organization held a communitywide birdhouse decorating competition. The completed birdhouses werebe sold at a silent auction 4:30-7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, at the Hutchinson Center in Belfast. At the "Taste of the World" event, the organization had cards available for those who would like to donate to Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County in the name of someone as a holiday gift. For more information about the cards, call 557-6071 or visit www.habitatofwaldocounty.org.
	Randolph-Macon College students paid homage to World Habitat Week October 4-8, 2010. This annual event is an opportunity for Habitat for Humanity, the United Nations and organizations around the world to join forces in raising awareness about the global housing crisis. On October 4, members of the college's Habitat for Humanity (H4H) chapter "lived" in cardboard boxes all day to raise awareness on campus about poverty and homelessness. Other student organizations also supported H4H by sponsoring a box for the day. All donations received were donated to the Hanover County Habitat for Humanity, which uses 100% of all donations to build homes for Hanover County families. "This was an opportunity for our students to educate themselves and their community and to advocate for decent, affordable homes," says Christina Brown, assistant director of residence life and housing at R-MC. The event was covered in the October 5 edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. On Wednesday, October 6, Jose Quinonez, the director of Advocacy for Habitat for Humanity International, presented "The State of Poverty in 2010" to R-MC students and members of the community. Quinonez has served Habitat for Humanity and other non-profit organizations for many years and travels the world to aid in the battle against substandard housing conditions and poverty. Quinonez told the audience that, according to current data, the rate of poverty in the world will continue to increase and the need for decent affordable housing will skyrocket. He also discussed what Habitat and volunteers all around the world are doing to address the situation. Quinonez encouraged students to get involved by working with their local H4H affiliates. For information about R-MC's Habitat for Humanity chapter, click here
	Harvard University's Habitat for Humanity campus chapter held an advocacy campaign with a focus on secure tenure. The students also created a photo collage to submit to Habitat International.
	Habitat for Humanity International hosted its annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work in the week of 4 October in cities across USA. Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International said the organization's model of offering a hand up, rather than a handout, builds responsible home-ownership. In honor of President Carter's 86th birthday, thousands of volunteers that week built, renovated or repaired 86 homes in Washington, D.C., Annapolis, Baltimore, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Birmingham, Alabama.