Islamabad: On World Habitat Day, UN-Habitat emphasized the vital role of young people in shaping sustainable urban environments. This year’s theme, “Engaging youth to create a better urban future,” underscores the need for active youth participation in urban planning and housing to address multiple crises including housing shortages, conflicts, and climate change.

According to United Nations Human Settlements Programme, the executive director, Ms. Anaclaudia Rossbach, highlighted the transition of responsibility from older generations to millennials and Gen Z, urging them to take active roles in crafting their communities. The focus is on turning the ideal of equitable and adequate housing into a universal reality.

World Habitat Day invites young people worldwide to not only reflect on the state of cities and human settlements but also to act towards achieving sustainable cities and communities. With over one billion people living in slums and more than 300 million facing homelessness, the urgency for sustainable housing solutions that incorporate poverty reduction, gender equality, and climate action is more critical than ever. The day serves as a call to action for youth to engage in making the right to adequate housing a reality for all.