UN-HABITAT.:. World Habitat Day 2011 | Events Around the World

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Country	Event
Afghanistan	UN-HABITAT office in Afghanistan held advocacy and awareness events in Kabul and other provinces in the Country.
Argentina	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 organisations, universities and centers of research, international organisations in Argentina and social movements attended the World Habitat Day celebrations in Playón Chacarita, Fraga 900 in Buenos Aires City. The national event celebrated the Day and the theme, Cities and Climate Change, the event was also used to advocate for Urban Reform – The right to the city.
Argentina	The NGO Red Habitat Argentina, based in Buenos Aires, organized a seminar entitled, 'Projects to strengthen the law of urbanization'. It was held in the neighbourhood of Playón de Chacarita, drawing slum dwellers and city council officials among the delegates.
Australia	A private organization, Envirobusiness, celebrated World Habitat Day with professional bodies and community groups in Brisbane.
Bahrain	In a message on the occasion of the World HABITAT Day, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain affirmed that the Kingdom has accorded special attention to climate change, being a characteristically global phenomenon distinct from other environmental problems, giving increasing attention to habitat and sustainable development issues. In his message for World Habitat Day the HRH said, " We are living under an eco-system that is affected by the level of progress achieved and imbalance created by man in the eco-system and unless the world gets alerted to that as quickly as possible and through serious and joint cooperation, the international community would pay a high price in future. He re-emphasized the need to develop long-term plans to be implemented across gradual reforms to avert such environmental risks and burdens, in such a way that prevents their aggravation and potential threat to sustainable development in various regions. He also urged all participants to the Climate Change Conference to be held in Durban in November to speedily implement international conventions, and also called on the international community to mobilize energies and take measures necessary to address potential risks of climate change.
Bangladesh	Biplobi Sanskritic Gosthi, an NGO in Bangladesh celebrated World Habitat Day at their premises. About 50 participants comprising of business personalities from pharmaceutical industries, staff of Biplobi Sanskritic Gosthi and people from local slum areas were in attendance. Activities included a discussion session on the importance of World Habitat Day, and on the theme Cities and Climate Change.
Bangladesh	Wai Bangladesh Committee held a celebration to mark World Habitat Day and Zero Evictions Days in Dhaka. The Day started with a "Human Chain of 500 plus people" in front of the Bangladesh National Parliament House along Manikmia Avenue. The main aim was to pass three messages: No Eviction, Housing for the Homeless Urban Poor and Shelter is my Right. Other planned activities included submitting a Memorandum to the Speaker of the Bangladeshi parliament demanding 'A National Housing Policy' bill to be passed by the parliament. Among the invited were other human rights bodies as well as local, national and international organizations working in Bangladesh.
Belgium	World Habitat Day celebrations at the European Union headquarters in Brussels was hosted and co- funded by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) with the support of the European Parliament and the Union's executive Commission. The event was chaired by the Vice-President of the European Parliament. Other high-level officials included the Ambassador of Mexico to the EU, the Director of the newly established development directorate known as DEVCO, and of the European Commission, and the Vice-President of the Intergovernmental Panel on the Climate Change (IPCC). They held a discussion on the urban dimension of climate change moderated by the Director of Euronews in Brussels. The event also drew experts from European institutions, ambassadors, academics and civil society representatives.
Belgium	The International Union of Tenants marked World Habitat Day with a conference on Affordable Housing for the Young- Make it happen now. Key note speakers from UN-HABITAT, the International Union of Tenants, the European Youth Forum, among others participated in the conference. The event was held at the Committee of the Regions Rue Belliard in Brussels on 3 October. The International Union of Architects (UIA) which also celebrates World Architecture Day on the first Monday of October in Neutral Bay, under the theme Architecture and Human Rights.
Botswana	The national commemoration of World Habitat Day 2011 was celebrated under the patronage of the Ministry of Lands and Housing in the village of Ramotswa, in South East District on 7 October. Numerous initiatives to create awareness and promote ownership of the commemorations by the public had been lined up. Among these were buildup activities such as Essay Writing Competitions for Primary & Junior secondary schools students, senior secondary schools students, tertiary institution students, and the general public; media briefing; radio and television broadcasting, panel discussions, concerts and community meetings. The Minister of Lands and Housing's speech which focused on issues of climate change in relation to human settlements were aired on national radio on the 3 October. Government ministries, parastatals, private sector companies with an interest in the theme Cities and Climate Change participated in the event and showcased their products and/or services. There were also discussions to educate the public on the measures they take to mitigate the effects of climate change. A march was held on the morning of October 7 to mark the event. On the main Day, there was the launching of Ramotswa Village Development Plan, touring of projects within the district, touring of exhibitions stalls, entertainment though traditional dances, poetry and choral music. "
Brazil	The Pontificate Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro signed its first Memorandum of Understanding with UN-HABITAT. It was signed on behalf of the agency by Mr. Alain Grimard, Director of UN-HABITAT's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean. In São Luiz do Maranhao, the Federal University of Maranhao organized a seminar on Climate Change and a t -shirt raffle for listeners of UFMA FM Radio.
	Guarulhos City Council raised awareness and celebrated World Habitat Day in São Paulo on 3 October. The Council selected projects in the area which relate to the theme Cities and Climate Change, where the selected projects were presented to the local government and promoted in the community during World Habitat Day. The event used mass media to further promote the Day and reach more people.
	The Instituto de Arquitetos do Brasil (IAB-MG) held, for the third consecutive year, a meeting of 'community movements in the cities' to celebrate World Habitat Day and the theme Cities and Climate Change. The event was held at the headquarters of the IAB-MG, Belo Horizonte city, Minas Gerais on 3 October.
	The Point of Culture Jeca Tatu, Suzano organized a World Habitat Day event in their city, Sao Paulo. The event was aimed at addressing the threat of congestion in the City in a rally targeting a thousand people. Activities included showing a movie on the main street, collection of signatures to pass a law for the recognition of cultural heritage of the city, statements on the theme of World Habitat Day and an exhibition of images of the Territory Jeca Tatu.
Burundi	The Young Women's Knowledge and Leadership Institute (YOWLI), an NGO for young activists in Burundi mobilized youth associations across the country to celebrate World Habitat Day on 3 October.
Cambodia	The Ministry of Environment and UN-HABITAT Cambodia raised awareness of World Habitat Day at the second national conference on Climate Change, held on 3 October. The event was presided over by the Prime Minister and involved the Government Office and Development partners. On the occasion, there was an exhibition and display of UN-HABITAT's publications and materials on Climate Change.
Cameroon	Concerned Minds for Habitation Securities (COMIHAS) celebrated World Habitat Day in Yaounde on 3 October. The program brought together children between the ages of 10 and 17 years who wrote short rhythms, poems and essays on Cities and Climate Change. Pre World Habitat Day activities included basic drills, lecture and exercises on environment and climate change, under the theme Cities and Climate Change: Immediate Effects on City Dwellers. The children were encouraged to share their ideas on what can be done to reverse the current trend of the effects of climate change experienced in contemporary cities.
Cameroon	The Redemption Health Foundation for Sustainable Rural Development and Conservation organized programs for World Habitat Day celebrations in Kumba. Activities included a Community rally to mobilize and sensitize a target population of 1000 youth on issues of the environment managements other shows will be organized to mark this day success.
Canada	The City of Toronto held a charity fund raiser involving their community partners who focus on building affordable housing, local arts organization that serve the homeless and the youth at risk. The event was held at Toronto's City Hall on 3 October.
	Home Ownership Alternatives, a private sector affordable ownership organization in Ontario held a local World Habitat Day event at Enoch Turner School House, Toronto.
	The Enabling City, an international initiative based in Toronto organized a meeting aimed at bringing together professionals, students, creatives and academics to discuss the issue of urban sustainability while raising awareness on World Habitat Day and introducing tools and initiatives that can empower communities to make the transition to a climate change-ready culture.
China	A group of Masters students at Tongji University, Shanghai participated in this year's global celebrations of World Habitat Day by creating awareness on the theme Cities and Climate Change. Activities included a procession commemorating the Day, distribution of informative publicity materials and an open forum in which a speech on the theme was delivered by invited guests. Trees were also planted to mark the day.
China	The Urban Development Department of Beijing City University with the support of UN-HABITAT Beijing Information Office organized a series of activities in observance of World Habitat Day and World Architecture Day. The whole programme lasted from June to October, including, among others, several competition events on architectural photography, model-making, hand drawn site plans and architectural survey, on-site training on zone planning, achievements show and awareness-raising events on the World Habitat Day theme. The events were mainly organized by the students of the Department under the guidance of the teachers. The opening ceremony was hosted by the Department on 29 September 2011, highlighting the theme Cities and Climate Change. In the event attended by hundreds of students, the Dean of the Urban Development Department addressed the event, stressing the influence of climate change on cities by citing UN-HABITAT's Global Report on Human Settlements 2011, and calling for the future urban planners and practitioners to create a better living space for human beings. Representatives of the faculty and students introduced the planned events and set forth their reflections on the interaction between cities and climate change in their speeches. The programme officer of UN-HABITAT Beijing Information Office made a brief introduction on UN-HABITAT and its mission and praised the host for their efforts in organizing the event. There was also an exhibition displaying the winning photos, designs and building models from the competitions.
Colombia	UN-HABITAT presented its Global Report on Human Settlements: Cities and Climate Change at a seminar in Bogota. A similar event was held at Andes University.
Colombia	The Urban Management and Development program at Universidad del Rosario in Bogotá organized an event to celebrate World Habitat Day. The event aimed at promoting awareness around three issues: consumption patterns, improving communication strategies to mitigate climate change and integrate institutional management. Special guests included Mr. Luis Fernando Vásquez, specialist in rivers' protection, Mr. Manuel Hennessey international advisor on climate change, Mr. Israel Acosta, Forestry economist and Abuelo Suaga Gua Ingativa Neusa from the Muisca indigenous group with invaluable expertise on how to deal with climate change from his community´s perspective. Parallel to this event, films and documentaries on climate change were shown around campus.
Costa Rica	Sustainable Housing for the Middle Class was the theme of the first national contest for young architects. The event took place in the School of Architects of Costa Rica, in San Jose.
El Salvador	The Vice Minister of Housing and Urban Development and UN representatives held a national urban space design contest to mark World Habitat Day.
Ecuador	A national design contest on Housing and Climate Change was launched as a preliminary activity towards the main celebration on World Habitat Day. The event was developed in close cooperation with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MIDUVI) and the National Association of Architects (CAE). The best prototypes housing design that use alternative technologies and are sustainable, and can also be acquired with a subsidy given by the Government, according to the national housing policy were awarded on World Habitat Day.
Ecuador	In Quito, the College of Architects of Ecuador supported by the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing held a series of debates during the week. The highlight of the World Habitat Day events was a children's' art exhibition produced for a "drawing houses for climate change" contest. A contest was also held on the theme in all schools in Havana, Bayamo, Holguín, Santa Clara and Cienfuegos.
Egypt	UN-HABITAT Egypt office organized an exhibition on the occasion of World Habitat Day where UN-HABITAT's work worldwide was displayed.
Germany	The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), on behalf of the German Development Cooperation, held a World Habitat Day event on 4 October. Activities included a quiz on the subject sustainable urban development. Students from nearby colleges were invited to share their vision of a green city. The event was documented and used for raising awareness about the need to tackle urbanization challenges.
Ghana	Action on African Women Foundation in collaboration with Africa Empowerment and Leadership Foundation held an event to celebrate World Habitat Day in Tema. These two organizations are championing climate change and the right for the people to have access to affordable and decent housing. The celebration was aimed at implementing the mitigation and adaptation measures of climate change in the city of Tema. Pre World Habitat Day activities included T.V and Radio discussions on the theme Cities and Climate Change. For the main World Habitat Day event a Street Procession was held to further sensitize the community on World Habitat Day.
Ghana	In Ghana a National Planning Committee was set up with representatives from the Government, professional bodies, academia among others for national World Habitat Day celebrations. The Government of Ghana chose Sekondi-Takoradi for the celebration. The event was marked under the theme Cities and Climate Change: Environmental Impacts of Oil and Gas on Human Settlements. The Day was observed with speeches, statements, solidarity messages form Ministers, and opinion leaders with the Keynote address by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD). Statements were also given by Deputy Minister of Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing (MWRWH), Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST), Sekondi-Takoradi Regional Minister, Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs (MOWAC), Jubilee Partners, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), UN and UN-HABITAT representatives, and the Member of Parliament for the area. Solidarity Messages were read by People's Dialogue, Friends of the Rivers and Water Bodies, CHF Ghana, active NGO's in the area, Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity, and Housing the Masses. There was also an exhibition of Sekondi-Takoradi.
Haiti	Organisation pour la Rénovation Environnante du Sud d'Haïti (RESH) launched the Integration Program of Culture Technology for community development in a conference on the importance of education. The aim of the program is to encourage introduction of teaching programmes about cities and climate change and environmental sustainability into the school curriculum. The event involved the youth together with local and national authorities.
Hungary	Habitat for Humanity Hungary celebrated World Habitat Day in Budapest through activities aimed at elevating the level of participation from the community to maximize awareness among the local population with regards to this year's World Habitat Day theme, Cities and Climate Change.
India	The Government of India celebrated World Habitat Day by organising a day-long seminar in Delhi. The event, organized through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation involved other organisations including; The Housing and Urban Development Corporation, The National Housing Bank, The National Buildings Construction Corporation and The Buildings Materials Technology Promotion Council of India. An essay competition and several painting competitions on the theme, Cities and Climate Change were organised in schools all over Delhi.
	The BMS Educational Trust and the Government of Karnataka organized a unique World Habitat Day event at the BMS Auditorium in Bangalore. The event was attended by more than 300 delegates from Housing Department, the Government of Karnataka, Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Co-operation and Karnataka Slum Development Board, among others. The main activities were expert lectures and group discussions on the following topics: Cleaner Cities; Urbanization; Global climate change; Planning to mitigate disaster; UN-HABITAT works and publications; Micro climate and urban design; Future Vision in planning; and Millennium Goals-challenges. Lectures were given by eminent speakers form industry and academics. The event was co-hosted with the International Cooperation Division (ICD), in association with Department of Architecture, Department of Civil Engineering BMS College of Engineering and was attended by large community of architects, engineers, planners, policy makers and builders. There was also a three-day exhibition of construction, real estate, building materials and technology at the BMS College of Engineering Auditorium in Bangalore.
	Members of West Bengal State Centre of the Institution of Engineers in collaboration with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation organized celebrations for World Habitat Day. Activities included the inauguration of the celebration and cultural programme followed by a technical seminar on Cities and Climate Change. The was inaugurated by Mr. Subrata Bakshi, the Minister-in-charge of the Public Works Department and Transport Department of Government of West Bengal; Mr. Firhad Hakim, the Minister in-charge of Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Department of Government of West Bengal; Mr. Sovan Chatterjee, the Mayor of Kolkata and Mr. G Prabhakar, the President of the Institution of Engineers. The keynote addresses were delivered by renowned Architectural Engineer Mr. D.K. Dhar. The inauguration was followed by a cultural function by inmates of West Bengal Correctional Homes. The second day of the celebration involved technical sessions on the World Habitat Day theme. Mayors of different cities, chief administrators of different cities, other policy makers, scientists, engineers, planners, builders and activists were invited for brain storming sessions on the theme.
	The Institution of Engineers held a two day technical seminar on the theme Cities and Climate Change in West Bengal State Centre. A cultural programme was arranged to give the celebration a colourful aspect. Among the invited guests was the Honorable Mayor of Kolkata. Different orphanages of Kolkata were also invited to participate in the programme.
	As a part of Space Eco Literacy Campaign 2011, the State Institute of Urban Development celebrated World Habitat Day at Mysore through awareness raising activities and campaigns.
	Prayasam, a non-profit organization in India this year involved their slum youth group to observe World Habitat Day in Kolkata. The main activity involved children creating colorful hand-drawn map of their community using innovative technology.
	The Centre for Built Environment, a centre for nonprofit society which holds an observer status in Climate Change Convention granted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change celebrated World Habitat Day through a seminar on Cities and Climate Change in Kolkata.
	The Institute for Regional Development Studies at Kanpur held a seminar on the theme Cities and Climate Change. Participants were from various educational institutions, technical colleges, social workers, urban planners and policy architects. The main focus was on multifarious dimensions of urban growth facing the grave challenges from climate change.
	The Krityanand Unesco Club, an NGO situated in Jamshedpur celebrated World Habitat Day at its premises. The main activities included a conference on the theme Ensure our Natural Environment and save our Cities and Climate Change, drawing participation from members and researchers of the Krityanand Unesco Club. On 4 October, there was a field visit at the natural Forest area in Chaibasa in Jharkhand.
	The Institute for Regional Development Studies at Kanpur celebrated World Habitat Day 2011 through a multidisciplinary seminar on the theme Cities and Climate Change. Academicians, planners, industrialists, social workers and many more were invited to discuss various facets of the theme of World Habitat Day.
	This year the Local Governance Network in Bhubaneswar organized a round table workshop to raise awareness amongst Cities and Climate Change, covering issues relating to Good Governance, Heritage & Culture and Urban Mobility. The initiative had participation of Urban Planners, Mayors, Engineers, Academics, Media, Students and Researchers. Other activities included a Photo Exhibition focusing on Cities Lives.
	Sri Venkateswara University in collaboration with urban development authorities and city corporations celebrated World Habitat Day at the campus in Tirupati.
	Ram Kumar Foundation organized a seminar with representatives of various education institutions, designated as Climate Baton Holder of their respective institutions. The participants were oriented on the theme Cities and Climate Change. Invited speakers at the seminar were renowned senior activists and academicians in the field of Climate Change.
	Manipur University in Imphal celebrated World Habitat Day at the University Campus. During the celebration, lectures were delivered by academicians, social workers and students on two aspects – Human Settlements particularly in Manipur and Cities and Climate Change. The lectures stressed on climate change and its intricacy that affects human habitation of the world in general and Manipur in particular.
	Vasaamaha Consultants and Turaga Foundation Centre for Sustainable Development in Hyderabad joined in the Global World Habitat Day celebrations by organizing a workshop and an exhibition displaying photo-documentation of large scale tree-felling happening in and around the city of Hyderabad for the purposes of road widening and construction of inter-city highways. The objective was to highlight the implications on environmental sustainability, as well as educating policy makers, media and the public on the importance of social forestry and micro-climate in urban areas and the need to design development activities without compromising environmental protection.
	Sustainability Youth Collective (SYC) held a workshop on cities and climate change in schools and training institutions to mark World Habitat Day. Other activities included painting, poster making and debate competitions in schools and educational institutions. A street play to promote sustainable life style was also organised, as well as a rally in the slums on climate change awareness.
	House of Nature, Environment and Society Trust (HONEST) in association with Jayadeb Walkers Club held a World Habitat Day event at the Jayadeb Batika at Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The function was presided over by Dr. Sundara Narayana Patro, a Botanist and Environmentalist and founder of HONEST. In attendance were academicians, environmentalists, and personalities in wildlife and forests conservation sectors. During the event, four eminent scientists were awarded the 'Man of the Year Awards' for their lifetime contributions in the field of wildlife management, and promotion of science and environment. Successful students of essay, elocution and art competitions on UN International Day of Non-Violence, and World Habitat Day and National Elephant Day held at the Jeeban Jyoti Ashram orphan home in Khandagiri were presented with the certificates and prizes.
	UN-HABITAT Chennai, in association with the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Department of Geography, University of Madras, Oikos Chennai Chapter (International Organization of students for Sustainable Economics and Management), Citizens Alliance for Sustainable Living (SUSTAIN), Athena Infonomics, Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI), T. N. Chapter, British Deputy High Commission, Chennai, U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, U.S. Department of Energy and Brookhven National Laboratory and several other educational institutions and NGOs celebrated World Habitat Day 2011 on 9 November 2011 at Thanthai Periyar Hall, University of Madras, Chepauk, Chennai. The workshop was attended by about 100 participants including the professionals and practitioners in urban planning and housing, academics and citizens from Non-governmental Organisations and Community Based Organisations.
Indonesia	The World Habitat Day commemoration in Indonesia was held at the Vice President's Palace on October 3, 2011 attending by representatives of various institutions, professional associations, NGOs and academics involved in housing and urban development. The Vice President, HE Prof. Dr. Budiono and the Minister of Public Works, HE Mr. Djoko Kirmanto gave a speech on the World Habitat Day theme and Indonesia's achievements in housing and human settlements in light of climate change. The Minister of Public Works presented awards to the winners of the National Photography Contest and National Writing Contest for Journalists. A series of events were held to commemorate World Habitat Day among them the National Children's Drawing Competition and National Essay Competition for High School and College Students held by the Ministry of Housing and Habitat Indonesia National Secretariat; a series of seminars/ workshops on Cities and Climate Change held by the Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Public Works and Ministry of Environment, and workshop on the Solo Declaration and Solo Implementation Plan of the Third Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development ( held by the Coordinating Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Public Works and Habitat Indonesia National Secretariat) , where 15 mayors from major cities of Indonesia pledged to prepare an action plan for slum upgrading. The peak of the World Habitat Day commemoration was held in Makassar, East Indonesia on October 14 to 16, 2011. The event was celebrated with a city-wide bicycle event, in which about 6.000 people rode their bicycles around the city, a tree planting ceremony, exhibition on housing and planning participated by ministries and local governments, a national workshop on 'Green City as Solution to Climate Change', presentation of awards to winners of the National Drawing Contest and Essay Contest.
Iran	The International Art & Architecture Research Association (IAARA) held the Architectural Dialogues, on the occasion of World Habitat Day on 3 October in Tehran. The dialogues were held in two workshops 'The Criteria for Settlement' and 'The Habitat Quality'. These workshops were facilitated by two prominent Iranian architects Nader Ardalan and Bahram Shirdel. Architects, designers and urban planners, urban experts, urban designers, and students of architecture, urban designing and urban planning were invited to event.
	Ofogh Padra Co. a company for Urban Upgrading Designing and Planning, in cooperation with Faculty of Environment-Tehran University conducted a Seminar about Cities and Climate Change on 12 October. The Day also coincides with Iran's National Day for Decreasing Natural Disasters.
	Raya, an international center of Urbanization and Architecture studies, formerly Behsaz celebrated the very first World Architecture Day in Iran on 3 October. The conference took place in Mashhad Municipality under the theme the Architecture of the cities and climate change. The event brought together governmental, non-governmental, architecture and urbanization, societies, scholars and students. The main activity was lectures on the theme from international speakers.
	The National Land and Housing Organization mobilised a group of students, citizens and national experts to celebrate World Habitat Day through a day-long seminar. The theme of the celebration was Spontaneous Settlements Regularization: Citizen-Oriented and Sustainable.
	Nepal International Consumer Union plans pre World Habitat Day publicity at six centers in Kathmandu. A one day workshop and an orientation program on Cities and Climate Change have also been organized at school level to sensitize school children as well as the public on World Habitat Day.
	The Environment and Sustainable Development Office (ESDO) of Tehran Municipality joined the World Habitat Day program for the fourth time to mark the Day. On the occasion, Iran held its fourth Urban Environmental Conference around the theme of Cities and Climate Change. The event was attended by the municipality directors, university professors, enthusiastic university students and NGOs to bring in to focus and discuss the impacts of cities with its growing population and urbanization on the climate and subsequently the influence of these changes in climate on the cities and people.
Iraq	The Ministry of Construction and Housing for Iraq celebrated World Habitat Day on 3 and 4 October. The main activity was a symposium on the Implementation of Housing Policy in Iraq where the Annual Scientific Conference for Ministry of Construction and Housing was conducted on Housing and Environmental issues. Discussions on the role of private sector in providing adequate housing took place.
Israel	The Association of Environmental Justice in Israel (AEJI) held a special session to present recent finding on the wide scale research on the Socio-Economic Profile of the Climate Change in Israel for the occasion of World Habitat Day. The event was attended by social and environmental activists, academic researchers, human rights advocates and policy makers, and members of parliament.
Italy	The Mayor of Naples with the Foundation Forum of Culture organized a Mayors' conference in Naples on 3 and 4 October, to mark World Habitat Day. The conference, on the theme Cities of the Future had participation of 20 mayors where 4 sessions on urban finance, urban regeneration, sustainable development, and urban inclusion were held. The workshop was held in Castel dell'Ovo in the City of Naples.
	Food for the cities programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations held a 2 hour seminar for World Habitat Day under the theme Cities, Climate change and food and nutrition security.
	World Habitat Day was celebrated in Naples with a mayors' workshop on the "Cities of Future" on 3 and 4 October. Organized by the Naples city council, the Campania Region, and the Universal Forum of Culture Foundation with UN-HABITAT support, the workshop at the same time served as a preparatory event for the sixth edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF) that will be held in Naples 1-7 September 2012. The workshop, attended by delegations from 9 cities from Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Oceania, had four sessions on: urban finance, urban regeneration, sustainable development, and urban inclusion. Each session was introduced by resource persons like: Paul Connett, Professor of Chemistry at St. Lawrence University in New York, Abosede Bolaji Francisco, Honourable Commissioner For physical planning and urban development Lagos State, and Mariam Yunusa WUF Project Director. The workshop was opened by the Mayor of Naples, Luigi de Magistris and stressed the importance of the next World Urban Forum the city will host next year.
Japan	UN-HABITAT's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP), supported by Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City, UN-HABITAT Cooperating Committee, Fukuoka International Exchange Foundation, Fukuoka International Association, Fukuoka Asia Urban Research Center, and UN Association of Japan Fukuoka Head Office, organized a symposium on Cities and Climate Change on 3 October 2011. The event focused on how to create disaster resilience cities in Asia and the Pacific Region where natural disasters caused by climate change frequently occur. Mr. Zhenwei Peng, Professor, Tongji University, Mr. Hiroshi Kawase, Professor, Disaster Prevention Research Institute Kyoto University and other experts participated in the Symposium. The second main activity was a Children's Drawing Contest, the 11th World Habitat Day Children's Drawing Contest on the theme Our Cities, Our Life and Climate Change, targeting 4th to 6th grade pupils in Asia and the Pacific. The contest was organised with support from various local partners including Educational Boards. Selected drawings will be exhibited at the Kokusai Hiroba of ACROS Fukuoka from 5 October to 14 November 2011.
Jordan	UN-HABITAT Jordan organized a reception for the World Habitat Day to discuss the topic of Cities and Climate Change under the patronage of the Minister of Public Works and Housing Eng. Yahia Kisbi and the Chief of UN-HABITAT Office in Jordan. There was also a presentation on one of the best practices from Austria in preparing cities for climate change, together with developing sound adaptation and mitigations strategies and plans. The presentation and reception witnessed the launch of the Arabic version of UN-HABITAT report on cities and climate change which took place at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Kenya	The Ministry of Housing hosted the national World Habitat Day celebrations on 3 October at the Kenyatta Sports Ground in Kisumu. Song and dance took centre stage as top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and ordinary people gathered at a sports ground in Kisumu to mark the Day. Speakers at the celebrations highlighted the challenges posed by climate change adding that concerted efforts were needed to face the issue head on. The event drew participation from the Ministry of Lands, Kisumu Municipality, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Shelter Afrique, the University of Nairobi, Maseno University among others. Other activities included a roadshow and an exhibition focusing on the theme Cities and Climate Change. To build up to the main celebration, pre - World Habitat Day activities including a cleanup, tree planting and sporting activities at Nyalenda informal settlements were done.
	The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) Football Team organized a series of activities under the Climate Kids Challenge to mark the World Habitat Day 2011. The team brought together school going children from 8 different slum communities in an initiative aimed at leveraging sports to raise issues on the effects of climate change and its mitigation. The main activity featured a series of talks on the event theme as well as planting of 5,000 trees at Karura Forest and participating community schools. The celebration culminated in a Football tournament dubbed "Climate Kids Challenge" which aims to promote sports development in pro-poor urban areas.
	Makadara Youth Leader Forum, a youth led forum that draws all its members from leaders of youth groups, organization, community based and Christian based organizations that have the agenda of developing and implementing initiatives that empower the youth in the local areas and the slums organized a full day interactive forum for youth leaders, groups and organization to discuss issues of Environmental and Climate change injustices with the theme Cities and Climate Change. The interactive forum aimed to engage with different stake holders of the youth for development within the district. Organisations included Sub – Saharan Africa Climate Change Foundation Trust, Nguvu Pamoja Youth Group, Makadara Youth Network, The Makadara Youth Football Club, Family Rock Youth Group, Life Skill Promoters, Action Centre for Disaster and Conflict, Makadara United Youth Group, Makadara Spiritual Conquerors Group, Health for Life Women Group, Lead to Inspire Group, Descendants of Christ Movement, Tujibebe Youth Group. The event was held in Mbotela Social Hall in Makadara District. Activities included a walk from Makadara football grounds along Jogoo Road and planting of trees around the hall and along the street. There were also speeches from invited guests.
	Maringo Uprising, a women-led organization in Kariobangi South and Korogocho Slums women organized together with local leadership an event to celebrate World Habitat Day and the theme Cities and Climate Change. Activities included an open forum and crusades on Climate Change, and tree planting.
	Goal-Kenya in conjunction with Nguvu Pamoja Community Environmental Organisation organized the Green Cities and Climate Change Expo- Fair- on 3 October at Railways Training Institute (RTI), South B. The event was held to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to adequate shelter for all. The objective of the event was to create awareness on slum upgrading mechanisms, enhance green economy growth and mitigate/adapt to effects of climate change in Kenya. The EXPO- was a public/private partnership (PPP) initiative with the opportunity for the private/ public sectors as well as organizations and institutions to exhibit, demonstrate and showcase green projects/ programmes, products and services. The core area was the slum upgrading efforts on-going at Kibera slums Nairobi by UN-HABITAT.
	Kenya Tenants Welfare Union and the community around the Mathare River, engaged in cleaning and tree planting activities along the river during World Habitat Day. There was also a procession from the slum to WHY NOT grounds, the venue of the main celebrations. Statements by the Secretary General of UN and the Executive Director of UN-HABITAT on the Day were read during the occasion, after which speeches from invited guests were heard. Organizations involved in the event included: Kenya Tenants Welfare Union, Community Transformers Organization, Mathare No.10 Youth Group, WHY NOT, Engghtels Youth Groups, Twaweza Community Project, Muoroto Insiders Youth Group, Mabatini Youth Association, Mabatini Youth Development Association, Nageya Community Based Organization, Myoto Youth Group, Mathare Bonden Recovery, Gumba Bridge Youth Group, Mathare No. 10 Community, Health Workers Organization and Groots Mathare Organization.
	The Ruaraka Youth Initiative marked World Habitat Day through tree planting at Baba Dogo School and at the Karura Forest.
	Kamukunji Riverside Tailoring and Ironing Society, a community based organization which deals in eradication of poverty in the slum areas this year organized World Habitat Day celebrations in Child Survival School for Orphans in Kamukunji. The main activity was a marathon for shelter, whose objective was to raise money to support orphans living in slums.
	Catholic University marked World Habitat Day through raising awareness on the theme of World Habitat Day, Cities and Climate Change. Pre World Habitat Day awareness campaigns were held on campus. The main event was held on 30 September, where a movie, HOME, was shown, followed by a lecture on Cities and Climate Change from Mr. Romanus Otieno Opio an Urban Planner and lecturer at the University of Nairobi and a discussion by Rev. Prof. Juvenalis Baitu of Catholic University.
Korea (South)	The National Human Rights Commission held a conference for World Habitat Day. The event was held on 5 October where the results of a research project of Seoul Station were announced.
Kosovo	Kosovo's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government, Mr. Slobodan Petrovic, and the Deputy Minister of Spatial Planning and Environment, Mr. Shpëtim Rudi attended a high profile World Habitat Day conference on cities and climate change. They were joined by the Country Director of the Swedish International Development Agency, Ms. Maria Melbing, the Head of UN-HABITAT-Kosovo, Ms. Krystyna Galezia, and representatives of various Kosovo municipalities and ministries, experts and professionals as well as civil society representatives. In their speeches, several cited facts and data on the actual situation on the climate change and emphasizing cities as contributors to this phenomenon. The host, Ms. Galeiza, highlighted the work being done to assist Kosovo Municipalities on environmental issues related to urbanization, and reducing the urban environmental footprint through their strategic documents. The meeting focused on lessons learned from a study trip in Sweden. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Mr. Arben Citaku, urged Kosovo Municipalities to draft their strategic development plans, and take into consideration the environmental issues including the energy efficiency measures in design and construction.
Kuwait	Kuwait Municipal Council together with Arab Towns Organization and UN-HABITAT Regional Office in Kuwait organized a special session and exhibition to address the impact of climate change on Cities on 3 October 2011 at the Municipal Council of Kuwait. The meeting brought together Environment Specialists, Women and Youth Groups, NGOs as well as academic institutions. The aim of the event was to exchange knowledge on urban development and climate change including the contribution of cities to climate change and its impact on cities. Kuwait Municipal Council is committed to sustainable urban development and highly concerned with the needs of youth groups in a challenging urban environment. The council is adopting an innovative participatory approach in tackling important municipal matter as Climate change. For the first time in the Arab Region, a Municipal Council dedicated one of its official sessions to discuss Climate Change and cities matters with the public and experts.
Lao People's Democratic Republic	Representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and UN-HABITAT got together at an event held in the UN House in Vientiane on Monday 3rd of October to mark the World Habitat Day 2011. The purpose of the event was to reflect on this year's theme Cities and Climate Change and what this means in the Laos context. Following the opening speeches by the event co-chairs, a video message from UN-HABITAT Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos was screened. Afterwards the launch of a new rainwater harvesting project, worth US$60,000, took place. Cooperation Agreements on the projects were exchanged between Mr. Buahom Sengkhamyong, Chief Technical Advisor UN-HABITAT Lao PDR, and Directors of Water Utilities from Savannakhet and Khammouane provinces. The project will see the installation of complete rainwater harvesting systems in five schools in Khammouane and Savannakhet provinces. The launch included a presentation and a discussion of rainwater harvesting as an adaptation method for climate change. Additionally, UN-HABITAT supported the display of five 'World Habitat Day' banners around Vientiane. Further awareness raising was done through the local media that printed the messages of the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as well as UN-HABITAT's Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos in several newspapers.
Lebanon	Lebanon marked World Habitat Day with a special conference on access to housing held under the auspices of the Minister of Social Affairs. The day-long event aimed to raise awareness and promote debate on pressing urban issues and challenges in Lebanon, particularly those related to access to housing. It also sought to form a better understanding of the available frameworks governing access to housing in Lebanon and the dynamics used in practice. And it stressed the importance of sharing knowledge on main interventions and housing finance mechanisms, whether those applied globally by UN-HABITAT or those practiced by the public and private sectors in Lebanon. The conference drew speakers representing the Government, the banking sector, the developers as well as academia and practitioners. The occasion was also used to launch the first Lebanon Urban Profile - a comprehensive desk review that represents a background document for an in-depth study of the State of Arab Cities. The Lebanon Urban Forum, a dialogue platform to advocate improved national urban policies, national strategies and programmes related to housing was also launched.
Malaysia	The Ministry of Housing and Local Government organized a multimedia competition open to all secondary schools across the country. Prizes were presented by the Minister of Housing and Local Government during the Opening Ceremony of World Habitat Day 2011 on October 3, 2011 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur.
Mexico	The World Habitat Day Global Observance was held in the city of Aguascalientes on 3 October. The high level event was attended by the President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa who opened the global commemoration. Statements were heard from UN-HABITAT Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos, the Minister for Social Development, Mr. Heriberto Félix Guerra, and Aguascalientes Governor Mr. Carlos Lozano de la Torre, after which the winners of the 2011Scroll of Honour, Habitat Good Practices, and World Habitat Awards were awarded. The event was attended by over 2,000 participants and was broadcasted to thousands globally. Following the main event were discussions and forums on the theme, Cities and Climate Change moderated by UN-HABITAT, a University Congress and an Exhibition on the theme of World Habitat Day.
	On 4 October, UN-HABITAT together with UNEP, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNODC, CAD Mexico Design Center, Red Pacto Mundial Mexico, Naciones Unidas Centro de Informacion, Medio Siglo en Mexico, Global Impact and CAD Fundacion FCAD awarded winners of the Cities and Climate Change National Photo Competition at an evening cocktail in Mexico City. Speeches were given by representatives from UNEP and UN-HABITAT.
	Colegio José Joaquín Fernández de Lizardi, a bilingual school in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco organized a project to raise awareness of the issues associated with cities and climate change. A speech competition was held on 3 October with the aim of providing students, parents and the wider community with information about the issues associated with our rapidly developing urban environment, and persuading them to make a change.
Mongolia	UN-HABITAT Mongolia in partnership with the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism, Ministry of Road, Transportation, Construction and Urban Development, and the Municipality of Ulaanbaatar City, organized a Sharing Session on Climate Change Initiatives in Ulaanbaatar City to celebrate World Habitat Day with the theme Cities and Climate Change. Mr. N. Batsuuri, State Secretary of the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism, opened the event. The event facilitated the sharing of the different programs, researches, and publications related to climate change by the major institutions dealing with this issue. The national policy and strategy of Mongolia on climate change was presented by the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology which serve as the framework for the country and guide for the development community in setting their priorities on climate change. UN-HABITAT presented its Cities and Climate Change Scoping Study in Ulaanbaatar City, the Unur Area Flood Vulnerability Assessment, and good practices for climate change adaptation. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) shared its energy efficient housing and thermo-technical rehabilitation of pre-cast panel building. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) presented its strategy and interventions on climate change in Mongolia. The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology shared their CC projection and extremes in Mongolia through the Green House Gas Scenarios. The event served as a starting point for further discussions among the 13 participant institutions from the government, NGOs, academia, consulting company, and development agencies on how they can innovate on their policies, programmes, and projects to address the adverse impacts of climate change in Mongolia.
Nepal	UN-HABITAT Nepal and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works held the National World Habitat Day celebrations on 26 September in Lalitpur. Among the main activities were the Green Building Exhibition, a Workshop on Cities and Climate Change Initiative, Children's Art Competition, and a release of new publication Nepal Urban Housing Sector Profile Study. The Rural Youth Forum held district level Art and Essay competitions to celebrate World Habitat Day in Saptari. A series of programs involving schools and colleges was also organized to run throughout the World Habitat Day week. The activities included essay and art competitions with a focus on climate change adapation. The event was held in Happy Land Higher Secondary School in Rajbiraj.
	Nepal International Consumer Union organized pre World Habitat Day publicity at six centers in Kathmandu. For the main Day, a one day workshop and an orientation program on Cities and Climate Change were held at school level to sensitize school children as well as the public on World Habitat Day.
	One Home - One Heart - One World Human Settlements Project held a One Coin Daily campaign, to raise funds for food, shelter and clothing for the very poor and marginalized persons worldwide. The project advocates for the rights of the poor to housing, and combating homelessness through Citizen as well as Government led initiatives. The aim of the event was to reduce migration to urban centres while increasing opportunities in the rural areas.
New Zealand	The University of Auckland hosted a series of events to observe World Habitat Day and to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change on the urban environment, and to showcase the University's initiatives in urban sustainability in line with the theme of Cities and Climate Change. The event involved departments, disciplines, students and staff across the University of Auckland, as well as other interested stakeholders. Key activities included a World Habitat Day Photo Competition, calling for entries reflecting Climate change in everyday life; World Habitat Day Photo Exhibition from 3-7 October, where selected entries were on display at the NICAI Student Centre, Symonds Street. The People's Choice Award was awarded to the photo that is deemed most popular on facebook. Other activities included; 'Responding to the Challenges of Climate Change', a poster display at Epsom Campus reflecting students' journeys towards making their lives more sustainable on 3-14 October; 'Myths and Maths behind a low carbon Auckland', an exhibition and lecture by Dr. Hugh Byrd on the impact of climate change on the built environment, Gus Fisher Gallery on 1 October.' Emergency shelter: Strong and insulated yet comforting', a display of an emergency shelter designed and constructed by architecture students, NICAI courtyard from 23 September-14 October; 'Urban growth in Uganda: What do you do when 50% of the population is under 14?', Lecture and exhibition, Conference Centre from 3-8 October; and 'Spring Clothes Swap', a drop off for clothes for recycling to AUSA reception on 3 October.
Nigeria	Mrs. Ama Pepple, the Minister for Lands and Housing and Urban Development led the National World Habitat Day celebrations in Nigeria. Activities included promotion of public awareness of the day through Ministerial Press Conference prior to World Habitat Day, a one-day seminar to mark the day in which a guest speaker delivered a paper on the theme of the celebration, Managing Urbanization and Climate Change and a Keynote Address by the Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development highlighting policies and future programmes for the sector; Launch of UN-HABITAT's 2011 Global Report on Human Settlements which focuses on 'Cities and Climate Change' as well as a presentation of Excellence Awards to deserving States that have promoted housing and urban development activities. Other activities included an Exhibition, and an Essay Competition for Secondary School and/or Tertiary level students on the theme of the celebration. The occasion was also used to present keys to beneficiaries of the low cost housing developed by Habitat for Humanity. Many State Governments in the country including Lagos, Oyo, Ondo and others organized state level activities to mark the day.
	In Ogun State, the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (WEAN), a network of individuals and organizations working as a Non – Governmental Organization celebrated World Habitat Day under the theme Walking-Hand-In-Hand for Development Programme: War Against Waste. This is one of the projects in WEAN's Walking-Hand-In-Hand for Development Programme. It seeks to contribute to national efforts at combating the menace of improper waste disposal and management habit, attitude, and culture in our communities, and to bridge the gap between Consumerism and environmental hazards in our communal lifestyle, and to ensure that our poor and ravaged communities take charge of their own development destinies and protect themselves against poverty and deprivations. The project target is on proper disposal and management of unwanted or unusable items from homes and the marketplace, artisans and technicians workshops, and offices; Remains or by-products from factories; and Household and marketplace garbage. A youth rally was also held to mobilize and sensitize a target population of 200 young people in Akute Communities on issues of the environment.
	Ambrose Alli University Library organized a World Habitat Day event with the aim of sensitizing the public on the need to be aware of the effects and mitigation measures of climate change. The event was held in Esan West local government area vis-a-vis Edo state. This celebration came at a timely moment when there is a growing anxiety over the raging flooding and landslides that are on the increase in the area.
	Africa Initiative for Environment Sustainable Network an NGO based in Nigeria took this year's World Habitat Day to local communities where climate change and habitats are facing serious environmental and climate change impacts. The project, Delta Green Initiative, is a process to help in adaptation and mitigation through planting, and nurturing over 100 trees to be planted on the occasion of World Habitat Day. Other planned activities include a 1km walk, a lecture and field visits to determine the need for tree planting.
	Advance Future Leaders Foundation had a strategic awareness campaign and citizens participation in an event aimed to combat floods in Lagos for World Habitat Day celebrations in Lagos on 3 October 2011. The aim of the event was to educate citizens about the flooding hazards as a result of unplanned and unauthorized structures along the drainage areas, enlighten citizens on climate change challenges on our environment and its adverse effect on the rise of river and sea level, involve citizens on an active approach to combat flooding and educating them to refrain from throwing or sweeping refuse or soil into drains and educate citizens to ensure non-settlement or building along river plains or inappropriate land use that will aggravate floods.
	Ren-Teen & Tys Initiative for Sustainable Development (RETEET) marked World Habitat Day in Calabar under the theme Physical Disability and the Effects of Climate Change. The activities, running over seven days period included a Seminar, Advocacy meetings, Community awareness, Radio and Television Programmes and a Thanksgiving Service aimed at improving the awareness of the effects of Climate Change on the physically challenged and providing a friendly environment for the disabled or physically challenged persons.
	The Rural People Encouragers Network (RUPEN) held a public information campaign to raise awareness of the problems and issues of Climate Change through theatre, a forum and paper presentations under the topic Effect of Climate Change and Education. To build up to the main World Habitat Day celebration on 3 October, a computer training session was also organized to run from 1 August to 2 September 2011 at Ihuigbogo Town Ahoada East, Rivers State Nigeria.
	The BusinessDay Newspaper produced a publication designed to celebrate World Habitat Day in Nigeria. The report aims to help remind the nation of the basic rights for all to adequate shelter and more importantly, the need to achieve the goal without compromising the ability of future generations.
	The National Union of Tenants of Nigeria in conjunction with its NGO partners across the 36 States of Nigeria selected Port Harcourt as the central venue for observance of this year's World Habitat Day. The selection of Port Harcourt for the commemoration of the event was to underscore the ongoing urban reformation projects in the City by the State Government, in terms of flood control and alternatives to carbon emission, which marries with the theme of the celebration, and to encourage the accomplishment of the projects under friendlier atmosphere using a pro-poor and people-oriented approach.
	The International Partnership for Sustainable Housing and Regeneration in association with National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) celebrated World Habitat Day on the 6 October at NYSC camp in Kubwa, Abuja. As part of this event, members of the service with special interest in sustainable housing development were identified with a view to engaging them in a more skillful and purpose driven community service that aims at broadening their career base and further strengthening them towards mitigation of consequences of climate change on our cities. The event was also to build awareness on the need to be equipped and proactive to the threat of climate change to the nation and entire humanity. Among the invitees were the Director General of the National Youth Service Corp and the representatives of the National Focal Point for Sustainable Development and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
	Toris Schools this year celebrated World Habitat Day by holding a street walk and a sensitization programme in Ogun State, to educate Okearo community of Climate change awareness and the need to go green in saving our enviroment. On the Day, Pupils carried placards carrying climate change messages. The programme was coordinated by the school's Director of Studies, Afolabi Ademosu and other Volunteers.
Pakistan	The Revival of Heritage (RoH) Youth Network, a youth lead organization working to develop, inform, inspire and mobilize young people through leadership training, peer education, awareness raising, skill building, policy and advocacy held a youth led World Habitat Day event, and campaigns in Lahore.
Peru	The Municipality of Lima held several promotion and awareness raising activities aimed at tackling the impacts of climate change. The events will run throughout the month of October.
Philippines	The University of Philippines raised awareness about climate change in global and local settings and to provide information about the possible mitigating measures that local people can do in their province of Bataan in Quezon City. The event was targeted to reach the youth, academics, local government units, non-government organizations and the local communities.
	Mapua Institute of Technology organized a seminar for World Habitat Day and the theme, Cities and Climate Change. Other activities included powerpoint shows, and an exhibition, to raise awareness on issues regarding human settlements, urbanization and climate change. Participants included architecture and engineering that will be given a chance to share their thought on solutions to meet the challenges of human settlements, urbanization and climate change. The seminar and exhibition opened on 3 October, while the exhibition run until October 15.
	UN-HABITAT Philippines spearheaded the celebration of World Habitat Day by organizing a national forum dubbed as "Philippine Cities and Climate Change 2011: Towards a Roadmap for an Urban Agenda," at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City. The event was organized in partnership with the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP). The forum provided a platform for a focused, multi-sector discussion on urban development in the context of climate change, with the aim of setting directions that would guide cities and urbanizing areas towards concrete and sustainable action. It was also a venue for sharing the UN-HABITAT climate change initiatives and projects in the country. With presentations by the country's leading authorities on climate change, around 150 participants from national agencies, local governments, civil society and academia participated in the workshops during the one-day event.
Portugal	Lajes field Air Base celebrated World Habitat Day and the theme Cities and Climate Change on 3 October in Azores. During the event, a video by Environmental Protection Agency about climate change was shown in a local high school. There was also an essay and poster contest about climate change where the winning article was published in Lajes Crosswords newspaper. On 13 October, there were talks on climate change to children in 4th Grade, who were also be shown a video, 'Adventures on a Changing Planet: Our heroes save the plankton' from NASA. The children also participated in painting and color drawings activities aimed at educating them on the importance of Planet Earth. The organizations involved in this event were the Civil Engineer Asset Optimization Flight from 65th Civil Engineer Squadron; the Library from the 65th Force Support Squadron; 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs and the Lajes Elementary - High School from the Department of Defense Dependent Schools.
Rwanda	Angels Rwanda, a cultural organization based in Rwanda which engages in sensitization on climate change with messages through music, launched a campaign involving the youth on the theme of Climate Change. Activities included a concert with songs on the topic of the Day, and a debate with youth coming from three districts of Kigali and guests from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
Senegal	Habitat for Humanity Rufisque organized the greening cities action in celebrating World Habitat Day. On 3 October, a political ceremony involving local and central government in Dakar has been planned, it will followed by a forum on the theme of the Cities and Climate Change. More activities have been planned in Saint Louis.
Seychelles	The National celebrations in Seychelles saw the President Mr. James Michael send a message. The head of state said his country has been a pioneer in pushing the Climate Change agenda at every opportunity that arises. As a small island developing state, he said, their very existence depends on arresting, indeed reversing, the present trend of green gas emissions. "We need to increase our efforts in finding solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change. No action directed towards that cause should go unnoticed. From the individual who has decided to go solar, to the companies promoting green energy appliances and solutions, all must be congratulated and encouraged." he said.
Sierra Leone	The Ministry of Works, Housing and Infrastructure joined the rest of the world in World Habitat Day celebrations. The Housing unit helped with implementation programs that promote the theme, Cities and Climate Change in Freetown. The African Youth Unite for Change raised awareness and celebrated World Habitat Day through entertainment and sports activities. Proceeds from the event were used in upgrading and extending basic services for poor communities. Sensitization programmes through press articles, radio discussions and panel programmes with policy makers, government officials, academics, journalists, professionals, and community representatives were also held.
Singapore	The Housing and Development Board, one of the 2010 Scroll of Honour winners will spread knowledge and awareness on World Habitat Day to their staff and partners via posters and a video footage on the Day and its important theme, Cities and Climate Change.
Sri Lanka	The Ministry of Construction Engineering Service Housing and Common Amenities this year run advocacy campaigns to raise awareness on World Habitat Day and its important theme, Cities and Climate Change. A three day World Habitat Day Exibition was also launched to run from 3-5 October at the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo. A special feature on the Day was published in a magazine distributed free.
South Africa	The University of Johannesburg organized an event for the students on Town and Regional Planning on the occasion of World Habitat Day. The activities included a quiz programme on the context of cities in South Africa with relation to this year's World Habitat Day theme, Cities and Climate Change. The event involved more than 25 students and staff.
South Africa	In June 2011, the Built Environment Support Group (BESG) opened a new project on climate change mitigation for indigent communities. The aim was to reach approximately 1500 households directly and indirectly through local schools, with an awareness and training programme over a three year period. Participants developed skills in self-reliance and resilience to combat the worst effects of stormwater damage, waterborne diseases, and food insecurity. BESG was also supporting a "green the townships" programme aimed at promoting food gardening and tree planting for fruit and shade. In celebration of World Habitat Day, a drama production was launched in Pietermaritzburg. The production is designed to raise awareness of global warming and the impacts of climate change for rural communities with low levels of literacy. The event was co-hosted with uMgungundlovu District Municipality.
South Sudan	The World Habitat Day celebrations in Juba on 3 October 2011 kicked off with a 2 kilometer procession starting from the Ministry of Housing & Physical Planning offices to Hai Zandia informal settlement in Buluk area. The procession was led by the minister Mrs. Jemma Nunu Kumba, senior officials of the ministry and UN-HABITAT staff and consultants. The procession was joined by tens of staff from the ministry, youth from the Hai Zandia community as well as invited participants from other public institutions and international partners. The procession went through city streets singing a hastily composed chant "Freedom, freedom, freedom for South Sudan; Housing, housing, housing for all; Clean environment, clean environment, clean environment for all". At the Hai Zandia settlement, participants were taken through a demonstration of stabilised soil block (SSB) production by community youth. The technical aspects of the SSB technology were explained to the participants by Mr. Jackson Roberts, a UN-HABITATconsultant architect. The demonstration was followed by speeches from representatives of UN-Habitat and the Hai Zandia community. The key note speech was read by Mrs. Kumba who was the chief guest.
South Sudan	South Sudan Artists Association organized a concert for World Habitat Day where inspiring artists and dramatizers showcased and did performances about modern cities. There were also projectors to show different cities around the world and how their communities lives within their cities and how they are taking care if their environment.
Sudan	During World Habitat Day celebrations in Sudan the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Physical Development presented a message on World Habitat Day through T.V. and broadcast media. The National Council for Physical Development also disseminated information about World Habitat Day and its theme, Cities and Climate Change to several newspapers where articles on the Day and on UN-HABITAT's role in Sudan. A workshop was also held in cooperation with the concerned bodies in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Physical Development and Sudan National Committee to highlight on the importance of conserving the environment.
Tanzania	Community Servers Tanzania (COSETA) held a public information campaign to celebrate World Habitat Day in Temeke, Dar es Salaam. The main activity was an open concert with music and speeches. The event was held from 29-30 October.
Thailand	World Habitat Day was marked by a march to the United Nations building in Bangkok by some 2,000 slum dwellers supported by the Four Regions Slum Network (FRSN) and Leaders and Organizers of Community Organizations (LOCO) in Asia. They submitted a petition to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the problem of homelessness as well as the impact on urban poor communities stemming from climate change. In the afternoon, UN-HABITAT, jointly with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Thailand Environment Institute invited experts to discuss the impact of climate change on cities and what can be done about it. The Seminar held at the UN Conference Centre provided an opportunity to share the latest ideas, thinking and experiences on climate change mitigation and adaptation in Thailand. This was followed by the inauguration of the Mobile Photo Exhibition organised by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Design for Disasters, and UN-HABITAT with the support from UN-ESCAP, UNDP, Lomography, Isuzu, the Thai Transportation and Logistics Association, Bangkok Art and Culture Center, art4d, the Thai Urban Designers Association, the Asian Institute of Technology, Disaster Preparedness Mitigation and Management, the Kunakij Furniture Industry, Mono Project, Lookyung Foundation, Supernormal and Ductstore. The mobile photo exhibition is scheduled to visit eight locations in Bangkok, including slum settlements from 3-9 October."
The Netherlands	Urban Matters, an initiative inspired by the Dutch development organization Cordaid and strives to improve both the living environment and the living conditions of slum dwellers, working in various cities in Africa and Latin America celebrated World Habitat Day by organizing an interactive network meeting to which about 60-70 persons with different backgrounds from various profit and non-profit organizations will be invited. The objective of the event was to exchange innovative ideas on sustainable urban development, related to the theme of Cities and Climate Change. The program included an opening speech to introduce the Urban Matters approach and draw attention to this year's theme by providing information on the urban dimension of climate change; inspirational speeches on successful and innovative initiatives from different institutions; and an interactive session to connect knowledge, networks and skills in order to find sustainable and inclusive solutions to urban problems in a rapidly urbanizing world.
Togo	NGO Challenges International, an organization focusing on livelihoods of people in Togo and also engages in campaigns against poverty organized a national event to celebrate World Habitat Day in Togo.
United Kingdom	Article 25, an operational UK registered charity that designs, builds, and manages projects to provide better shelter wherever there is disaster, poverty, or need held an event to commemorate World Habitat Day on 3 October. The main activity was a photography competition run on their Facebook page, where participants sent a picture that best shows the relationship between Cities and Climate Change in their own city. Other activities were debates and discussions on Facebook, Twitter and RIBA Knowledge Community pages in the following months to explore and create food for thought around this symbiotic relationship between cities and climate change.
	Barr Beacon School promoted World Habitat Day and the theme Cities and Climate Change with the pupils at the school. The event was aimed at raising awareness of the Day and its theme to the pupils and the school.
	Back2Front Media Ltd. run a feature on their website www.thesourcemagonline.com regarding World Habitat Day and the theme Cities and Climate Change. The feature is aimed at raising awareness and celebrating the Day while communicating the concept and how people can get involved.
Uganda	Hoima Municipal Council observed World Habitat Day on 3 October. A week long number of activities were held including: Tree planting and greening; City cleaning; Public dialogues; Secondary school debates on the theme (climate change); Radio and TV talk shows both on the local and National networks; painting competition for primary school kids on the theme; a climate change TV documentary and a newsletter on the World Habitat Day and the theme, Cities and Climate Change.
Uganda	Shelter & Settlements Alternatives: Uganda Human Settlements Network (SSA:UHSNET), a network that brings together all stakeholders in the human settlements sector to more effectively address constraints to adequate housing mobilized communities, institutions and organization to participate in World Habitat Day. Some of the activities organized to commemorate the day included; Organizing an essay competition in secondary schools and Universities on the topic of Cities and Climate Change, Organizing Media Talk shows, Press Release of articles on Cities and climate change, facilitating members of the Network to Exhibit on World Habitat Day.
U.S.A	The NGO Committee on Human Settlements and UN-HABITAT New York mobilized communities in New York for the celebration of World Habitat Day on 3 October. Activities were held with partners in the academic institutions throughout New York to promote the visibility and importance of World Habitat Day.
	Habitat for Humanity International engaged in a series of special activities over six weeks to highlight the need for safe, decent and affordable shelter beginning on World Habitat Day and culminating with the efforts of their global volunteers during the 28th annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Haiti in November. The primary events were: on World Habitat Day, on 3 October, Habitat will dedicate its 500,000th house in Maai Mahiu, Kenya and raise the walls on its 500,001st house in Paterson, New Jersey. The theme of the event is, "housing cities after a disaster. On 6 October, an evening event, the Build Hope, An Evening Honoring Humanitarian Leadership will be held in Washington, D.C. The Build Hope event will bring together friends of Habitat for Humanity, government officials, congressional representatives, and corporate and philanthropic leaders to focus attention on World Habitat Day; on Habitat's post disaster recovery work in Haiti; and to launch Habitat's flagship annual event, the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. The evening will include entertainment and remarks from special guests. Between 5-12 November, the event, Habitat's 28th Annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project will be held in Haiti, of Habitat for Humanity's observance of World Habitat Day. Carter Work Project volunteers will build 100 earthquake-resistant homes in the city of Léogâne, 18 miles from Port-au-Prince. The 100 homes will become part of a larger 500-home community that will be developed over the next two years.
	MIT Climate CoLab used Tweeter to raise awareness and advocacy for World Habitat Day and this year's theme, Cities and Climate Change. World Habitat Day participants were invited to share their ideas about cities and climate solutions in the CoLab, where they can be developed by collective intelligence of contributors worldwide.
	The University of California Habitat for Humanity Chapter held week-long series of events for World Habitat Day at the university in an event named the World Habitat Week 2011. This was a week of events designed to make the campus body reflect on sustainable urban development. Going along with this year's theme, the events focused on educating and engaging students on issues related to environmental sustainability. Activities included: educational games, dissemination of facts with food, a social media photo campaign through Facebook asking students "How will you contribute to sustainability?", a contest asking students to use plastic bags in creative new ways (in accordance with California's Plastic Bag Reduction Act), and more.
Vietnam	In Vietnam, the message contained in World Habitat Day in relation to the country's specific context was distributed to the mass media to raise the public awareness of 2011 theme of Cities and Climate Change. In addition, UN-HABITAT Vietnam coordinated with the Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Associations to organise a "Support in the formulation of policies for the renewal of old urban areas" workshop on October 14-15 in Vinh Phuc, as a local contribution to World Habitat Day.
Zambia	The Youth Care and Community Prevention Program (YCCPP) carried out community sensitization activities, drama performances, and speeches from invited guests to mark World Habitat Day and the theme Cities and Climate Change.

Country	Event
Bahrain	In a message on the occasion of the World HABITAT Day, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain affirmed that the Kingdom has accorded special attention to climate change, being a characteristically global phenomenon distinct from other environmental problems, giving increasing attention to habitat and sustainable development issues. In his message for World Habitat Day the HRH said, " We are living under an eco-system that is affected by the level of progress achieved and imbalance created by man in the eco-system and unless the world gets alerted to that as quickly as possible and through serious and joint cooperation, the international community would pay a high price in future. He re-emphasized the need to develop long-term plans to be implemented across gradual reforms to avert such environmental risks and burdens, in such a way that prevents their aggravation and potential threat to sustainable development in various regions. He also urged all participants to the Climate Change Conference to be held in Durban in November to speedily implement international conventions, and also called on the international community to mobilize energies and take measures necessary to address potential risks of climate change.
Botswana	The national commemoration of World Habitat Day 2011 was celebrated under the patronage of the Ministry of Lands and Housing in the village of Ramotswa, in South East District on 7 October. Numerous initiatives to create awareness and promote ownership of the commemorations by the public had been lined up. Among these were buildup activities such as Essay Writing Competitions for Primary & Junior secondary schools students, senior secondary schools students, tertiary institution students, and the general public; media briefing; radio and television broadcasting, panel discussions, concerts and community meetings. The Minister of Lands and Housing's speech which focused on issues of climate change in relation to human settlements were aired on national radio on the 3 October. Government ministries, parastatals, private sector companies with an interest in the theme Cities and Climate Change participated in the event and showcased their products and/or services. There were also discussions to educate the public on the measures they take to mitigate the effects of climate change. A march was held on the morning of October 7 to mark the event. On the main Day, there was the launching of Ramotswa Village Development Plan, touring of projects within the district, touring of exhibitions stalls, entertainment though traditional dances, poetry and choral music. "
Burundi	The Young Women's Knowledge and Leadership Institute (YOWLI), an NGO for young activists in Burundi mobilized youth associations across the country to celebrate World Habitat Day on 3 October.
Cameroon	Concerned Minds for Habitation Securities (COMIHAS) celebrated World Habitat Day in Yaounde on 3 October. The program brought together children between the ages of 10 and 17 years who wrote short rhythms, poems and essays on Cities and Climate Change. Pre World Habitat Day activities included basic drills, lecture and exercises on environment and climate change, under the theme Cities and Climate Change: Immediate Effects on City Dwellers. The children were encouraged to share their ideas on what can be done to reverse the current trend of the effects of climate change experienced in contemporary cities.
Cameroon	The Redemption Health Foundation for Sustainable Rural Development and Conservation organized programs for World Habitat Day celebrations in Kumba. Activities included a Community rally to mobilize and sensitize a target population of 1000 youth on issues of the environment managements other shows will be organized to mark this day success.
Egypt	UN-HABITAT Egypt office organized an exhibition on the occasion of World Habitat Day where UN-HABITAT's work worldwide was displayed.
Ghana	Action on African Women Foundation in collaboration with Africa Empowerment and Leadership Foundation held an event to celebrate World Habitat Day in Tema. These two organizations are championing climate change and the right for the people to have access to affordable and decent housing. The celebration was aimed at implementing the mitigation and adaptation measures of climate change in the city of Tema. Pre World Habitat Day activities included T.V and Radio discussions on the theme Cities and Climate Change. For the main World Habitat Day event a Street Procession was held to further sensitize the community on World Habitat Day.
Ghana	In Ghana a National Planning Committee was set up with representatives from the Government, professional bodies, academia among others for national World Habitat Day celebrations. The Government of Ghana chose Sekondi-Takoradi for the celebration. The event was marked under the theme Cities and Climate Change: Environmental Impacts of Oil and Gas on Human Settlements. The Day was observed with speeches, statements, solidarity messages form Ministers, and opinion leaders with the Keynote address by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD). Statements were also given by Deputy Minister of Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing (MWRWH), Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST), Sekondi-Takoradi Regional Minister, Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs (MOWAC), Jubilee Partners, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), UN and UN-HABITAT representatives, and the Member of Parliament for the area. Solidarity Messages were read by People's Dialogue, Friends of the Rivers and Water Bodies, CHF Ghana, active NGO's in the area, Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity, and Housing the Masses. There was also an exhibition of Sekondi-Takoradi.
Iraq	The Ministry of Construction and Housing for Iraq celebrated World Habitat Day on 3 and 4 October. The main activity was a symposium on the Implementation of Housing Policy in Iraq where the Annual Scientific Conference for Ministry of Construction and Housing was conducted on Housing and Environmental issues. Discussions on the role of private sector in providing adequate housing took place.
Jordan	UN-HABITAT Jordan organized a reception for the World Habitat Day to discuss the topic of Cities and Climate Change under the patronage of the Minister of Public Works and Housing Eng. Yahia Kisbi and the Chief of UN-HABITAT Office in Jordan. There was also a presentation on one of the best practices from Austria in preparing cities for climate change, together with developing sound adaptation and mitigations strategies and plans. The presentation and reception witnessed the launch of the Arabic version of UN-HABITAT report on cities and climate change which took place at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Israel	The Association of Environmental Justice in Israel (AEJI) held a special session to present recent finding on the wide scale research on the Socio-Economic Profile of the Climate Change in Israel for the occasion of World Habitat Day. The event was attended by social and environmental activists, academic researchers, human rights advocates and policy makers, and members of parliament.
Kenya	The Ministry of Housing hosted the national World Habitat Day celebrations on 3 October at the Kenyatta Sports Ground in Kisumu. Song and dance took centre stage as top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and ordinary people gathered at a sports ground in Kisumu to mark the Day. Speakers at the celebrations highlighted the challenges posed by climate change adding that concerted efforts were needed to face the issue head on. The event drew participation from the Ministry of Lands, Kisumu Municipality, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Shelter Afrique, the University of Nairobi, Maseno University among others. Other activities included a roadshow and an exhibition focusing on the theme Cities and Climate Change. To build up to the main celebration, pre - World Habitat Day activities including a cleanup, tree planting and sporting activities at Nyalenda informal settlements were done.
	The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) Football Team organized a series of activities under the Climate Kids Challenge to mark the World Habitat Day 2011. The team brought together school going children from 8 different slum communities in an initiative aimed at leveraging sports to raise issues on the effects of climate change and its mitigation. The main activity featured a series of talks on the event theme as well as planting of 5,000 trees at Karura Forest and participating community schools. The celebration culminated in a Football tournament dubbed "Climate Kids Challenge" which aims to promote sports development in pro-poor urban areas.
	Makadara Youth Leader Forum, a youth led forum that draws all its members from leaders of youth groups, organization, community based and Christian based organizations that have the agenda of developing and implementing initiatives that empower the youth in the local areas and the slums organized a full day interactive forum for youth leaders, groups and organization to discuss issues of Environmental and Climate change injustices with the theme Cities and Climate Change. The interactive forum aimed to engage with different stake holders of the youth for development within the district. Organisations included Sub – Saharan Africa Climate Change Foundation Trust, Nguvu Pamoja Youth Group, Makadara Youth Network, The Makadara Youth Football Club, Family Rock Youth Group, Life Skill Promoters, Action Centre for Disaster and Conflict, Makadara United Youth Group, Makadara Spiritual Conquerors Group, Health for Life Women Group, Lead to Inspire Group, Descendants of Christ Movement, Tujibebe Youth Group. The event was held in Mbotela Social Hall in Makadara District. Activities included a walk from Makadara football grounds along Jogoo Road and planting of trees around the hall and along the street. There were also speeches from invited guests.
	Maringo Uprising, a women-led organization in Kariobangi South and Korogocho Slums women organized together with local leadership an event to celebrate World Habitat Day and the theme Cities and Climate Change. Activities included an open forum and crusades on Climate Change, and tree planting.
	Goal-Kenya in conjunction with Nguvu Pamoja Community Environmental Organisation organized the Green Cities and Climate Change Expo- Fair- on 3 October at Railways Training Institute (RTI), South B. The event was held to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to adequate shelter for all. The objective of the event was to create awareness on slum upgrading mechanisms, enhance green economy growth and mitigate/adapt to effects of climate change in Kenya. The EXPO- was a public/private partnership (PPP) initiative with the opportunity for the private/ public sectors as well as organizations and institutions to exhibit, demonstrate and showcase green projects/ programmes, products and services. The core area was the slum upgrading efforts on-going at Kibera slums Nairobi by UN-HABITAT.
	Kenya Tenants Welfare Union and the community around the Mathare River, engaged in cleaning and tree planting activities along the river during World Habitat Day. There was also a procession from the slum to WHY NOT grounds, the venue of the main celebrations. Statements by the Secretary General of UN and the Executive Director of UN-HABITAT on the Day were read during the occasion, after which speeches from invited guests were heard. Organizations involved in the event included: Kenya Tenants Welfare Union, Community Transformers Organization, Mathare No.10 Youth Group, WHY NOT, Engghtels Youth Groups, Twaweza Community Project, Muoroto Insiders Youth Group, Mabatini Youth Association, Mabatini Youth Development Association, Nageya Community Based Organization, Myoto Youth Group, Mathare Bonden Recovery, Gumba Bridge Youth Group, Mathare No. 10 Community, Health Workers Organization and Groots Mathare Organization.
	The Ruaraka Youth Initiative marked World Habitat Day through tree planting at Baba Dogo School and at the Karura Forest.
	Kamukunji Riverside Tailoring and Ironing Society, a community based organization which deals in eradication of poverty in the slum areas this year organized World Habitat Day celebrations in Child Survival School for Orphans in Kamukunji. The main activity was a marathon for shelter, whose objective was to raise money to support orphans living in slums.
	Catholic University marked World Habitat Day through raising awareness on the theme of World Habitat Day, Cities and Climate Change. Pre World Habitat Day awareness campaigns were held on campus. The main event was held on 30 September, where a movie, HOME, was shown, followed by a lecture on Cities and Climate Change from Mr. Romanus Otieno Opio an Urban Planner and lecturer at the University of Nairobi and a discussion by Rev. Prof. Juvenalis Baitu of Catholic University.
Kuwait	Kuwait Municipal Council together with Arab Towns Organization and UN-HABITAT Regional Office in Kuwait organized a special session and exhibition to address the impact of climate change on Cities on 3 October 2011 at the Municipal Council of Kuwait. The meeting brought together Environment Specialists, Women and Youth Groups, NGOs as well as academic institutions. The aim of the event was to exchange knowledge on urban development and climate change including the contribution of cities to climate change and its impact on cities. Kuwait Municipal Council is committed to sustainable urban development and highly concerned with the needs of youth groups in a challenging urban environment. The council is adopting an innovative participatory approach in tackling important municipal matter as Climate change. For the first time in the Arab Region, a Municipal Council dedicated one of its official sessions to discuss Climate Change and cities matters with the public and experts.
Lebanon	Lebanon marked World Habitat Day with a special conference on access to housing held under the auspices of the Minister of Social Affairs. The day-long event aimed to raise awareness and promote debate on pressing urban issues and challenges in Lebanon, particularly those related to access to housing. It also sought to form a better understanding of the available frameworks governing access to housing in Lebanon and the dynamics used in practice. And it stressed the importance of sharing knowledge on main interventions and housing finance mechanisms, whether those applied globally by UN-HABITAT or those practiced by the public and private sectors in Lebanon. The conference drew speakers representing the Government, the banking sector, the developers as well as academia and practitioners. The occasion was also used to launch the first Lebanon Urban Profile - a comprehensive desk review that represents a background document for an in-depth study of the State of Arab Cities. The Lebanon Urban Forum, a dialogue platform to advocate improved national urban policies, national strategies and programmes related to housing was also launched.
Nigeria	Mrs. Ama Pepple, the Minister for Lands and Housing and Urban Development led the National World Habitat Day celebrations in Nigeria. Activities included promotion of public awareness of the day through Ministerial Press Conference prior to World Habitat Day, a one-day seminar to mark the day in which a guest speaker delivered a paper on the theme of the celebration, Managing Urbanization and Climate Change and a Keynote Address by the Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development highlighting policies and future programmes for the sector; Launch of UN-HABITAT's 2011 Global Report on Human Settlements which focuses on 'Cities and Climate Change' as well as a presentation of Excellence Awards to deserving States that have promoted housing and urban development activities. Other activities included an Exhibition, and an Essay Competition for Secondary School and/or Tertiary level students on the theme of the celebration. The occasion was also used to present keys to beneficiaries of the low cost housing developed by Habitat for Humanity. Many State Governments in the country including Lagos, Oyo, Ondo and others organized state level activities to mark the day.
	In Ogun State, the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (WEAN), a network of individuals and organizations working as a Non – Governmental Organization celebrated World Habitat Day under the theme Walking-Hand-In-Hand for Development Programme: War Against Waste. This is one of the projects in WEAN's Walking-Hand-In-Hand for Development Programme. It seeks to contribute to national efforts at combating the menace of improper waste disposal and management habit, attitude, and culture in our communities, and to bridge the gap between Consumerism and environmental hazards in our communal lifestyle, and to ensure that our poor and ravaged communities take charge of their own development destinies and protect themselves against poverty and deprivations. The project target is on proper disposal and management of unwanted or unusable items from homes and the marketplace, artisans and technicians workshops, and offices; Remains or by-products from factories; and Household and marketplace garbage. A youth rally was also held to mobilize and sensitize a target population of 200 young people in Akute Communities on issues of the environment.
	Ambrose Alli University Library organized a World Habitat Day event with the aim of sensitizing the public on the need to be aware of the effects and mitigation measures of climate change. The event was held in Esan West local government area vis-a-vis Edo state. This celebration came at a timely moment when there is a growing anxiety over the raging flooding and landslides that are on the increase in the area.
	Africa Initiative for Environment Sustainable Network an NGO based in Nigeria took this year's World Habitat Day to local communities where climate change and habitats are facing serious environmental and climate change impacts. The project, Delta Green Initiative, is a process to help in adaptation and mitigation through planting, and nurturing over 100 trees to be planted on the occasion of World Habitat Day. Other planned activities include a 1km walk, a lecture and field visits to determine the need for tree planting.
	Advance Future Leaders Foundation had a strategic awareness campaign and citizens participation in an event aimed to combat floods in Lagos for World Habitat Day celebrations in Lagos on 3 October 2011. The aim of the event was to educate citizens about the flooding hazards as a result of unplanned and unauthorized structures along the drainage areas, enlighten citizens on climate change challenges on our environment and its adverse effect on the rise of river and sea level, involve citizens on an active approach to combat flooding and educating them to refrain from throwing or sweeping refuse or soil into drains and educate citizens to ensure non-settlement or building along river plains or inappropriate land use that will aggravate floods.
	Ren-Teen & Tys Initiative for Sustainable Development (RETEET) marked World Habitat Day in Calabar under the theme Physical Disability and the Effects of Climate Change. The activities, running over seven days period included a Seminar, Advocacy meetings, Community awareness, Radio and Television Programmes and a Thanksgiving Service aimed at improving the awareness of the effects of Climate Change on the physically challenged and providing a friendly environment for the disabled or physically challenged persons.
	The Rural People Encouragers Network (RUPEN) held a public information campaign to raise awareness of the problems and issues of Climate Change through theatre, a forum and paper presentations under the topic Effect of Climate Change and Education. To build up to the main World Habitat Day celebration on 3 October, a computer training session was also organized to run from 1 August to 2 September 2011 at Ihuigbogo Town Ahoada East, Rivers State Nigeria.
	The BusinessDay Newspaper produced a publication designed to celebrate World Habitat Day in Nigeria. The report aims to help remind the nation of the basic rights for all to adequate shelter and more importantly, the need to achieve the goal without compromising the ability of future generations.
	The National Union of Tenants of Nigeria in conjunction with its NGO partners across the 36 States of Nigeria selected Port Harcourt as the central venue for observance of this year's World Habitat Day. The selection of Port Harcourt for the commemoration of the event was to underscore the ongoing urban reformation projects in the City by the State Government, in terms of flood control and alternatives to carbon emission, which marries with the theme of the celebration, and to encourage the accomplishment of the projects under friendlier atmosphere using a pro-poor and people-oriented approach.
	The International Partnership for Sustainable Housing and Regeneration in association with National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) celebrated World Habitat Day on the 6 October at NYSC camp in Kubwa, Abuja. As part of this event, members of the service with special interest in sustainable housing development were identified with a view to engaging them in a more skillful and purpose driven community service that aims at broadening their career base and further strengthening them towards mitigation of consequences of climate change on our cities. The event was also to build awareness on the need to be equipped and proactive to the threat of climate change to the nation and entire humanity. Among the invitees were the Director General of the National Youth Service Corp and the representatives of the National Focal Point for Sustainable Development and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
	Toris Schools this year celebrated World Habitat Day by holding a street walk and a sensitization programme in Ogun State, to educate Okearo community of Climate change awareness and the need to go green in saving our enviroment. On the Day, Pupils carried placards carrying climate change messages. The programme was coordinated by the school's Director of Studies, Afolabi Ademosu and other Volunteers.
	Ondo State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development commemorated World Habitat Day on 3rd October 2011, through TV documentaries and discussion programmes on the theme Cities and Climate Change in Akure, Ondo State
	TELL Newsmagazine and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lagos State partnered to produce a special report devoted to World Habitat Day. The report focused on how improved land-use planning and building codes can help reduce the vulnerability of our cities to the impact of climate change.
Rwanda	Angels Rwanda, a cultural organization based in Rwanda which engages in sensitization on climate change with messages through music, launched a campaign involving the youth on the theme of Climate Change. Activities included a concert with songs on the topic of the Day, and a debate with youth coming from three districts of Kigali and guests from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
Senegal	Habitat for Humanity Rufisque organized the greening cities action in celebrating World Habitat Day. On 3 October, a political ceremony involving local and central government in Dakar has been planned, it will followed by a forum on the theme of the Cities and Climate Change. More activities have been planned in Saint Louis.
Seychelles	The National celebrations in Seychelles saw the President Mr. James Michael send a message. The head of state said his country has been a pioneer in pushing the Climate Change agenda at every opportunity that arises. As a small island developing state, he said, their very existence depends on arresting, indeed reversing, the present trend of green gas emissions. "We need to increase our efforts in finding solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change. No action directed towards that cause should go unnoticed. From the individual who has decided to go solar, to the companies promoting green energy appliances and solutions, all must be congratulated and encouraged." he said.
Sierra Leone	The Ministry of Works, Housing and Infrastructure joined the rest of the world in World Habitat Day celebrations. The Housing unit helped with implementation programs that promote the theme, Cities and Climate Change in Freetown.
Sierra Leone	The African Youth Unite for Change raised awareness and celebrated World Habitat Day through entertainment and sports activities. Proceeds from the event were used in upgrading and extending basic services for poor communities. Sensitization programmes through press articles, radio discussions and panel programmes with policy makers, government officials, academics, journalists, professionals, and community representatives were also held.
South Africa	The University of Johannesburg organized an event for the students on Town and Regional Planning on the occasion of World Habitat Day. The activities included a quiz programme on the context of cities in South Africa with relation to this year's World Habitat Day theme, Cities and Climate Change. The event involved more than 25 students and staff.
South Africa	In June 2011, the Built Environment Support Group (BESG) opened a new project on climate change mitigation for indigent communities. The aim was to reach approximately 1500 households directly and indirectly through local schools, with an awareness and training programme over a three year period. Participants developed skills in self-reliance and resilience to combat the worst effects of stormwater damage, waterborne diseases, and food insecurity. BESG was also supporting a "green the townships" programme aimed at promoting food gardening and tree planting for fruit and shade. In celebration of World Habitat Day, a drama production was launched in Pietermaritzburg. The production is designed to raise awareness of global warming and the impacts of climate change for rural communities with low levels of literacy. The event was co-hosted with uMgungundlovu District Municipality.
South Sudan	The World Habitat Day celebrations in Juba on 3 October 2011 kicked off with a 2 kilometer procession starting from the Ministry of Housing & Physical Planning offices to Hai Zandia informal settlement in Buluk area. The procession was led by the minister Mrs. Jemma Nunu Kumba, senior officials of the ministry and UN-HABITAT staff and consultants. The procession was joined by tens of staff from the ministry, youth from the Hai Zandia community as well as invited participants from other public institutions and international partners. The procession went through city streets singing a hastily composed chant "Freedom, freedom, freedom for South Sudan; Housing, housing, housing for all; Clean environment, clean environment, clean environment for all". At the Hai Zandia settlement, participants were taken through a demonstration of stabilised soil block (SSB) production by community youth. The technical aspects of the SSB technology were explained to the participants by Mr. Jackson Roberts, a UN-HABITATconsultant architect. The demonstration was followed by speeches from representatives of UN-Habitat and the Hai Zandia community. The key note speech was read by Mrs. Kumba who was the chief guest.
South Sudan	South Sudan Artists Association organized a concert for World Habitat Day where inspiring artists and dramatizers showcased and did performances about modern cities. There were also projectors to show different cities around the world and how their communities lives within their cities and how they are taking care if their environment.
Sudan	During World Habitat Day celebrations in Sudan the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Physical Development presented a message on World Habitat Day through T.V. and broadcast media. The National Council for Physical Development also disseminated information about World Habitat Day and its theme, Cities and Climate Change to several newspapers where articles on the Day and on UN-HABITAT's role in Sudan. A workshop was also held in cooperation with the concerned bodies in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Physical Development and Sudan National Committee to highlight on the importance of conserving the environment.
Tanzania	Community Servers Tanzania (COSETA) held a public information campaign to celebrate World Habitat Day in Temeke, Dar es Salaam. The main activity was an open concert with music and speeches. The event was held from 29-30 October.
Togo	NGO Challenges International, an organization focusing on livelihoods of people in Togo and also engages in campaigns against poverty organized a national event to celebrate World Habitat Day in Togo.
Uganda	Hoima Municipal Council observed World Habitat Day on 3 October. A week long number of activities were held including: Tree planting and greening; City cleaning; Public dialogues; Secondary school debates on the theme (climate change); Radio and TV talk shows both on the local and National networks; painting competition for primary school kids on the theme; a climate change TV documentary and a newsletter on the World Habitat Day and the theme, Cities and Climate Change.
Uganda	Shelter & Settlements Alternatives: Uganda Human Settlements Network (SSA:UHSNET), a network that brings together all stakeholders in the human settlements sector to more effectively address constraints to adequate housing mobilized communities, institutions and organization to participate in World Habitat Day. Some of the activities organized to commemorate the day included; Organizing an essay competition in secondary schools and Universities on the topic of Cities and Climate Change, Organizing Media Talk shows, Press Release of articles on Cities and climate change, facilitating members of the Network to Exhibit on World Habitat Day.
Zambia	The Youth Care and Community Prevention Program (YCCPP) carried out community sensitization activities, drama performances, and speeches from invited guests to mark World Habitat Day and the theme Cities and Climate Change.

Country	Event
Afghanistan	UN-HABITAT office in Afghanistan held advocacy and awareness events in Kabul and other provinces in the Country.
Australia	A private organization, Envirobusiness, celebrated World Habitat Day with professional bodies and community groups in Brisbane.
Bangladesh	Biplobi Sanskritic Gosthi, an NGO in Bangladesh celebrated World Habitat Day at their premises. About 50 participants comprising of business personalities from pharmaceutical industries, staff of Biplobi Sanskritic Gosthi and people from local slum areas were in attendance. Activities included a discussion session on the importance of World Habitat Day, and on the theme Cities and Climate Change.
Bangladesh	Wai Bangladesh Committee held a celebration to mark World Habitat Day and Zero Evictions Days in Dhaka. The Day started with a "Human Chain of 500 plus people" in front of the Bangladesh National Parliament House along Manikmia Avenue. The main aim was to pass three messages: No Eviction, Housing for the Homeless Urban Poor and Shelter is my Right. Other planned activities included submitting a Memorandum to the Speaker of the Bangladeshi parliament demanding 'A National Housing Policy' bill to be passed by the parliament. Among the invited were other human rights bodies as well as local, national and international organizations working in Bangladesh.
Cambodia	The Ministry of Environment and UN-HABITAT Cambodia raised awareness of World Habitat Day at the second national conference on Climate Change, held on 3 October. The event was presided over by the Prime Minister and involved the Government Office and Development partners. On the occasion, there was an exhibition and display of UN-HABITAT's publications and materials on Climate Change.
China	A group of Masters students at Tongji University, Shanghai participated in this year's global celebrations of World Habitat Day by creating awareness on the theme Cities and Climate Change. Activities included a procession commemorating the Day, distribution of informative publicity materials and an open forum in which a speech on the theme was delivered by invited guests. Trees were also planted to mark the day.
China	The Urban Development Department of Beijing City University with the support of UN-HABITAT Beijing Information Office organized a series of activities in observance of World Habitat Day and World Architecture Day. The whole programme lasted from June to October, including, among others, several competition events on architectural photography, model-making, hand drawn site plans and architectural survey, on-site training on zone planning, achievements show and awareness-raising events on the World Habitat Day theme. The events were mainly organized by the students of the Department under the guidance of the teachers. The opening ceremony was hosted by the Department on 29 September 2011, highlighting the theme Cities and Climate Change. In the event attended by hundreds of students, the Dean of the Urban Development Department addressed the event, stressing the influence of climate change on cities by citing UN-HABITAT's Global Report on Human Settlements 2011, and calling for the future urban planners and practitioners to create a better living space for human beings. Representatives of the faculty and students introduced the planned events and set forth their reflections on the interaction between cities and climate change in their speeches. The programme officer of UN-HABITAT Beijing Information Office made a brief introduction on UN-HABITAT and its mission and praised the host for their efforts in organizing the event. There was also an exhibition displaying the winning photos, designs and building models from the competitions.
India	The Government of India celebrated World Habitat Day by organising a day-long seminar in Delhi. The event, organized through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation involved other organisations including; The Housing and Urban Development Corporation, The National Housing Bank, The National Buildings Construction Corporation and The Buildings Materials Technology Promotion Council of India. An essay competition and several painting competitions on the theme, Cities and Climate Change were organised in schools all over Delhi.
	The BMS Educational Trust and the Government of Karnataka organized a unique World Habitat Day event at the BMS Auditorium in Bangalore. The event was attended by more than 300 delegates from Housing Department, the Government of Karnataka, Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Co-operation and Karnataka Slum Development Board, among others. The main activities were expert lectures and group discussions on the following topics: Cleaner Cities; Urbanization; Global climate change; Planning to mitigate disaster; UN-HABITAT works and publications; Micro climate and urban design; Future Vision in planning; and Millennium Goals-challenges. Lectures were given by eminent speakers form industry and academics. The event was co-hosted with the International Cooperation Division (ICD), in association with Department of Architecture, Department of Civil Engineering BMS College of Engineering and was attended by large community of architects, engineers, planners, policy makers and builders. There was also a three-day exhibition of construction, real estate, building materials and technology at the BMS College of Engineering Auditorium in Bangalore.
	Members of West Bengal State Centre of the Institution of Engineers in collaboration with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation organized celebrations for World Habitat Day. Activities included the inauguration of the celebration and cultural programme followed by a technical seminar on Cities and Climate Change. The was inaugurated by Mr. Subrata Bakshi, the Minister-in-charge of the Public Works Department and Transport Department of Government of West Bengal; Mr. Firhad Hakim, the Minister in-charge of Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Department of Government of West Bengal; Mr. Sovan Chatterjee, the Mayor of Kolkata and Mr. G Prabhakar, the President of the Institution of Engineers. The keynote addresses were delivered by renowned Architectural Engineer Mr. D.K. Dhar. The inauguration was followed by a cultural function by inmates of West Bengal Correctional Homes. The second day of the celebration involved technical sessions on the World Habitat Day theme. Mayors of different cities, chief administrators of different cities, other policy makers, scientists, engineers, planners, builders and activists were invited for brain storming sessions on the theme.
	The Institution of Engineers held a two day technical seminar on the theme Cities and Climate Change in West Bengal State Centre. A cultural programme was arranged to give the celebration a colourful aspect. Among the invited guests was the Honorable Mayor of Kolkata. Different orphanages of Kolkata were also invited to participate in the programme.
	As a part of Space Eco Literacy Campaign 2011, the State Institute of Urban Development celebrated World Habitat Day at Mysore through awareness raising activities and campaigns.
	Prayasam, a non-profit organization in India this year involved their slum youth group to observe World Habitat Day in Kolkata. The main activity involved children creating colorful hand-drawn map of their community using innovative technology.
	The Centre for Built Environment, a centre for nonprofit society which holds an observer status in Climate Change Convention granted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change celebrated World Habitat Day through a seminar on Cities and Climate Change in Kolkata.
	The Institute for Regional Development Studies at Kanpur held a seminar on the theme Cities and Climate Change. Participants were from various educational institutions, technical colleges, social workers, urban planners and policy architects. The main focus was on multifarious dimensions of urban growth facing the grave challenges from climate change.
	The Krityanand Unesco Club, an NGO situated in Jamshedpur celebrated World Habitat Day at its premises. The main activities included a conference on the theme Ensure our Natural Environment and save our Cities and Climate Change, drawing participation from members and researchers of the Krityanand Unesco Club. On 4 October, there was a field visit at the natural Forest area in Chaibasa in Jharkhand.
	The Institute for Regional Development Studies at Kanpur celebrated World Habitat Day 2011 through a multidisciplinary seminar on the theme Cities and Climate Change. Academicians, planners, industrialists, social workers and many more were invited to discuss various facets of the theme of World Habitat Day.
	This year the Local Governance Network in Bhubaneswar organized a round table workshop to raise awareness amongst Cities and Climate Change, covering issues relating to Good Governance, Heritage & Culture and Urban Mobility. The initiative had participation of Urban Planners, Mayors, Engineers, Academics, Media, Students and Researchers. Other activities included a Photo Exhibition focusing on Cities Lives.
	Sri Venkateswara University in collaboration with urban development authorities and city corporations celebrated World Habitat Day at the campus in Tirupati.
	Ram Kumar Foundation organized a seminar with representatives of various education institutions, designated as Climate Baton Holder of their respective institutions. The participants were oriented on the theme Cities and Climate Change. Invited speakers at the seminar were renowned senior activists and academicians in the field of Climate Change.
	Manipur University in Imphal celebrated World Habitat Day at the University Campus. During the celebration, lectures were delivered by academicians, social workers and students on two aspects – Human Settlements particularly in Manipur and Cities and Climate Change. The lectures stressed on climate change and its intricacy that affects human habitation of the world in general and Manipur in particular.
	Osmania Medical College Doctors' Forum marked World Habitat Day on 3 October with a roundtable discussion on Cities and Climate Change at Seminar Hall, Osmania Medical College, Koti, Andhra Pradesh. Winners of a painting competition on the theme were also awarded on the Day.
	Vasaamaha Consultants and Turaga Foundation Centre for Sustainable Development in Hyderabad joined in the Global World Habitat Day celebrations by organizing a workshop and an exhibition displaying photo-documentation of large scale tree-felling happening in and around the city of Hyderabad for the purposes of road widening and construction of inter-city highways. The objective was to highlight the implications on environmental sustainability, as well as educating policy makers, media and the public on the importance of social forestry and micro-climate in urban areas and the need to design development activities without compromising environmental protection.
	Sustainability Youth Collective (SYC) held a workshop on cities and climate change in schools and training institutions to mark World Habitat Day. Other activities included painting, poster making and debate competitions in schools and educational institutions. A street play to promote sustainable life style was also organised, as well as a rally in the slums on climate change awareness.
	House of Nature, Environment and Society Trust (HONEST) in association with Jayadeb Walkers Club held a World Habitat Day event at the Jayadeb Batika at Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The function was presided over by Dr. Sundara Narayana Patro, a Botanist and Environmentalist and founder of HONEST. In attendance were academicians, environmentalists, and personalities in wildlife and forests conservation sectors. During the event, four eminent scientists were awarded the 'Man of the Year Awards' for their lifetime contributions in the field of wildlife management, and promotion of science and environment. Successful students of essay, elocution and art competitions on UN International Day of Non-Violence, and World Habitat Day and National Elephant Day held at the Jeeban Jyoti Ashram orphan home in Khandagiri were presented with the certificates and prizes.
	UN-HABITAT Chennai, in association with the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Department of Geography, University of Madras, Oikos Chennai Chapter (International Organization of students for Sustainable Economics and Management), Citizens Alliance for Sustainable Living (SUSTAIN), Athena Infonomics, Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI), T. N. Chapter, British Deputy High Commission, Chennai, U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, U.S. Department of Energy and Brookhven National Laboratory and several other educational institutions and NGOs celebrated World Habitat Day 2011 on 9 November 2011 at Thanthai Periyar Hall, University of Madras, Chepauk, Chennai. The workshop was attended by about 100 participants including the professionals and practitioners in urban planning and housing, academics and citizens from Non-governmental Organisations and Community Based Organisations.
Indonesia	The World Habitat Day commemoration in Indonesia was held at the Vice President's Palace on October 3, 2011 attending by representatives of various institutions, professional associations, NGOs and academics involved in housing and urban development. The Vice President, HE Prof. Dr. Budiono and the Minister of Public Works, HE Mr. Djoko Kirmanto gave a speech on the World Habitat Day theme and Indonesia's achievements in housing and human settlements in light of climate change. The Minister of Public Works presented awards to the winners of the National Photography Contest and National Writing Contest for Journalists. A series of events were held to commemorate World Habitat Day among them the National Children's Drawing Competition and National Essay Competition for High School and College Students held by the Ministry of Housing and Habitat Indonesia National Secretariat; a series of seminars/ workshops on Cities and Climate Change held by the Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Public Works and Ministry of Environment, and workshop on the Solo Declaration and Solo Implementation Plan of the Third Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development ( held by the Coordinating Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Public Works and Habitat Indonesia National Secretariat) , where 15 mayors from major cities of Indonesia pledged to prepare an action plan for slum upgrading. The peak of the World Habitat Day commemoration was held in Makassar, East Indonesia on October 14 to 16, 2011. The event was celebrated with a city-wide bicycle event, in which about 6.000 people rode their bicycles around the city, a tree planting ceremony, exhibition on housing and planning participated by ministries and local governments, a national workshop on 'Green City as Solution to Climate Change', presentation of awards to winners of the National Drawing Contest and Essay Contest.
Iran	The International Art & Architecture Research Association (IAARA) held the Architectural Dialogues, on the occasion of World Habitat Day on 3 October in Tehran. The dialogues were held in two workshops 'The Criteria for Settlement' and 'The Habitat Quality'. These workshops were facilitated by two prominent Iranian architects Nader Ardalan and Bahram Shirdel. Architects, designers and urban planners, urban experts, urban designers, and students of architecture, urban designing and urban planning were invited to event.
	Ofogh Padra Co. a company for Urban Upgrading Designing and Planning, in cooperation with Faculty of Environment-Tehran University conducted a Seminar about Cities and Climate Change on 12 October. The Day also coincides with Iran's National Day for Decreasing Natural Disasters.
	Raya, an international center of Urbanization and Architecture studies, formerly Behsaz celebrated the very first World Architecture Day in Iran on 3 October. The conference took place in Mashhad Municipality under the theme the Architecture of the cities and climate change. The event brought together governmental, non-governmental, architecture and urbanization, societies, scholars and students. The main activity was lectures on the theme from international speakers.
	The National Land and Housing Organization mobilised a group of students, citizens and national experts to celebrate World Habitat Day through a day-long seminar. The theme of the celebration was Spontaneous Settlements Regularization: Citizen-Oriented and Sustainable.
	The Environment and Sustainable Development Office (ESDO) of Tehran Municipality joined the World Habitat Day program for the fourth time to mark the Day. On the occasion, Iran held its fourth Urban Environmental Conference around the theme of Cities and Climate Change. The event was attended by the municipality directors, university professors, enthusiastic university students and NGOs to bring in to focus and discuss the impacts of cities with its growing population and urbanization on the climate and subsequently the influence of these changes in climate on the cities and people.
Japan	UN-HABITAT's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP), supported by Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City, UN-HABITAT Cooperating Committee, Fukuoka International Exchange Foundation, Fukuoka International Association, Fukuoka Asia Urban Research Center, and UN Association of Japan Fukuoka Head Office, organized a symposium on Cities and Climate Change on 3 October 2011. The event focused on how to create disaster resilience cities in Asia and the Pacific Region where natural disasters caused by climate change frequently occur. Mr. Zhenwei Peng, Professor, Tongji University, Mr. Hiroshi Kawase, Professor, Disaster Prevention Research Institute Kyoto University and other experts participated in the Symposium. The second main activity was a Children's Drawing Contest, the 11th World Habitat Day Children's Drawing Contest on the theme Our Cities, Our Life and Climate Change, targeting 4th to 6th grade pupils in Asia and the Pacific. The contest was organised with support from various local partners including Educational Boards. Selected drawings will be exhibited at the Kokusai Hiroba of ACROS Fukuoka from 5 October to 14 November 2011.
Korea (South)	The National Human Rights Commission held a conference for World Habitat Day. The event was held on 5 October where the results of a research project of Seoul Station were announced.
Lao People's Democratic Republic	Representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and UN-HABITAT got together at an event held in the UN House in Vientiane on Monday 3rd of October to mark the World Habitat Day 2011. The purpose of the event was to reflect on this year's theme Cities and Climate Change and what this means in the Laos context. Following the opening speeches by the event co-chairs, a video message from UN-HABITAT Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos was screened. Afterwards the launch of a new rainwater harvesting project, worth US$60,000, took place. Cooperation Agreements on the projects were exchanged between Mr. Buahom Sengkhamyong, Chief Technical Advisor UN-HABITAT Lao PDR, and Directors of Water Utilities from Savannakhet and Khammouane provinces. The project will see the installation of complete rainwater harvesting systems in five schools in Khammouane and Savannakhet provinces. The launch included a presentation and a discussion of rainwater harvesting as an adaptation method for climate change. Additionally, UN-HABITAT supported the display of five 'World Habitat Day' banners around Vientiane. Further awareness raising was done through the local media that printed the messages of the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as well as UN-HABITAT's Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos in several newspapers.
Malaysia	The Ministry of Housing and Local Government organized a multimedia competition open to all secondary schools across the country. Prizes were presented by the Minister of Housing and Local Government during the Opening Ceremony of World Habitat Day 2011 on October 3, 2011 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur.
Mongolia	UN-HABITAT Mongolia in partnership with the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism, Ministry of Road, Transportation, Construction and Urban Development, and the Municipality of Ulaanbaatar City, organized a Sharing Session on Climate Change Initiatives in Ulaanbaatar City to celebrate World Habitat Day with the theme Cities and Climate Change. Mr. N. Batsuuri, State Secretary of the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism, opened the event. The event facilitated the sharing of the different programs, researches, and publications related to climate change by the major institutions dealing with this issue. The national policy and strategy of Mongolia on climate change was presented by the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology which serve as the framework for the country and guide for the development community in setting their priorities on climate change. UN-HABITAT presented its Cities and Climate Change Scoping Study in Ulaanbaatar City, the Unur Area Flood Vulnerability Assessment, and good practices for climate change adaptation. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) shared its energy efficient housing and thermo-technical rehabilitation of pre-cast panel building. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) presented its strategy and interventions on climate change in Mongolia. The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology shared their CC projection and extremes in Mongolia through the Green House Gas Scenarios. The event served as a starting point for further discussions among the 13 participant institutions from the government, NGOs, academia, consulting company, and development agencies on how they can innovate on their policies, programmes, and projects to address the adverse impacts of climate change in Mongolia.
Nepal	UN-HABITAT Nepal and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works held the National World Habitat Day celebrations on 26 September in Lalitpur. Among the main activities were the Green Building Exhibition, a Workshop on Cities and Climate Change Initiative, Children's Art Competition, and a release of new publication Nepal Urban Housing Sector Profile Study.
	The Rural Youth Forum held district level Art and Essay competitions to celebrate World Habitat Day in Saptari. A series of programs involving schools and colleges was also organized to run throughout the World Habitat Day week. The activities included essay and art competitions with a focus on climate change adapation. The event was held in Happy Land Higher Secondary School in Rajbiraj.
	Nepal International Consumer Union organized pre World Habitat Day publicity at six centers in Kathmandu. For the main Day, a one day workshop and an orientation program on Cities and Climate Change were held at school level to sensitize school children as well as the public on World Habitat Day.
	One Home - One Heart - One World Human Settlements Project held a One Coin Daily campaign, to raise funds for food, shelter and clothing for the very poor and marginalized persons worldwide. The project advocates for the rights of the poor to housing, and combating homelessness through Citizen as well as Government led initiatives. The aim of the event was to reduce migration to urban centres while increasing opportunities in the rural areas.
New Zealand	The University of Auckland hosted a series of events to observe World Habitat Day and to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change on the urban environment, and to showcase the University's initiatives in urban sustainability in line with the theme of Cities and Climate Change. The event involved departments, disciplines, students and staff across the University of Auckland, as well as other interested stakeholders. Key activities included a World Habitat Day Photo Competition, calling for entries reflecting Climate change in everyday life; World Habitat Day Photo Exhibition from 3-7 October, where selected entries were on display at the NICAI Student Centre, Symonds Street. The People's Choice Award was awarded to the photo that is deemed most popular on facebook. Other activities included; 'Responding to the Challenges of Climate Change', a poster display at Epsom Campus reflecting students' journeys towards making their lives more sustainable on 3-14 October; 'Myths and Maths behind a low carbon Auckland', an exhibition and lecture by Dr. Hugh Byrd on the impact of climate change on the built environment, Gus Fisher Gallery on 1 October.' Emergency shelter: Strong and insulated yet comforting', a display of an emergency shelter designed and constructed by architecture students, NICAI courtyard from 23 September-14 October; 'Urban growth in Uganda: What do you do when 50% of the population is under 14?', Lecture and exhibition, Conference Centre from 3-8 October; and 'Spring Clothes Swap', a drop off for clothes for recycling to AUSA reception on 3 October.
Pakistan	The Revival of Heritage (RoH) Youth Network, a youth lead organization working to develop, inform, inspire and mobilize young people through leadership training, peer education, awareness raising, skill building, policy and advocacy held a youth led World Habitat Day event, and campaigns in Lahore.
Philippines	The University of Philippines raised awareness about climate change in global and local settings and to provide information about the possible mitigating measures that local people can do in their province of Bataan in Quezon City. The event was targeted to reach the youth, academics, local government units, non-government organizations and the local communities.
	Mapua Institute of Technology organized a seminar for World Habitat Day and the theme, Cities and Climate Change. Other activities included powerpoint shows, and an exhibition, to raise awareness on issues regarding human settlements, urbanization and climate change. Participants included architecture and engineering that will be given a chance to share their thought on solutions to meet the challenges of human settlements, urbanization and climate change. The seminar and exhibition opened on 3 October, while the exhibition run until October 15.
	UN-HABITAT Philippines spearheaded the celebration of World Habitat Day by organizing a national forum dubbed as "Philippine Cities and Climate Change 2011: Towards a Roadmap for an Urban Agenda," at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City. The event was organized in partnership with the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP). The forum provided a platform for a focused, multi-sector discussion on urban development in the context of climate change, with the aim of setting directions that would guide cities and urbanizing areas towards concrete and sustainable action. It was also a venue for sharing the UN-HABITAT climate change initiatives and projects in the country. With presentations by the country's leading authorities on climate change, around 150 participants from national agencies, local governments, civil society and academia participated in the workshops during the one-day event.
Singapore	The Housing and Development Board, one of the 2010 Scroll of Honour winners will spread knowledge and awareness on World Habitat Day to their staff and partners via posters and a video footage on the Day and its important theme, Cities and Climate Change.
Sri Lanka	The Ministry of Construction Engineering Service Housing and Common Amenities this year run advocacy campaigns to raise awareness on World Habitat Day and its important theme, Cities and Climate Change. A three day World Habitat Day Exibition was also launched to run from 3-5 October at the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo. A special feature on the Day was published in a magazine distributed free.
Thailand	World Habitat Day was marked by a march to the United Nations building in Bangkok by some 2,000 slum dwellers supported by the Four Regions Slum Network (FRSN) and Leaders and Organizers of Community Organizations (LOCO) in Asia. They submitted a petition to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the problem of homelessness as well as the impact on urban poor communities stemming from climate change. In the afternoon, UN-HABITAT, jointly with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Thailand Environment Institute invited experts to discuss the impact of climate change on cities and what can be done about it. The Seminar held at the UN Conference Centre provided an opportunity to share the latest ideas, thinking and experiences on climate change mitigation and adaptation in Thailand. This was followed by the inauguration of the Mobile Photo Exhibition organised by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Design for Disasters, and UN-HABITAT with the support from UN-ESCAP, UNDP, Lomography, Isuzu, the Thai Transportation and Logistics Association, Bangkok Art and Culture Center, art4d, the Thai Urban Designers Association, the Asian Institute of Technology, Disaster Preparedness Mitigation and Management, the Kunakij Furniture Industry, Mono Project, Lookyung Foundation, Supernormal and Ductstore. The mobile photo exhibition is scheduled to visit eight locations in Bangkok, including slum settlements from 3-9 October."
Vietnam	In Vietnam, the message contained in World Habitat Day in relation to the country's specific context was distributed to the mass media to raise the public awareness of 2011 theme of Cities and Climate Change. In addition, UN-HABITAT Vietnam coordinated with the Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Associations to organise a "Support in the formulation of policies for the renewal of old urban areas" workshop on October 14-15 in Vinh Phuc, as a local contribution to World Habitat Day.

Country	Event
Belgium	World Habitat Day celebrations at the European Union headquarters in Brussels was hosted and co- funded by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) with the support of the European Parliament and the Union's executive Commission. The event was chaired by the Vice-President of the European Parliament. Other high-level officials included the Ambassador of Mexico to the EU, the Director of the newly established development directorate known as DEVCO, and of the European Commission, and the Vice-President of the Intergovernmental Panel on the Climate Change (IPCC). They held a discussion on the urban dimension of climate change moderated by the Director of Euronews in Brussels. The event also drew experts from European institutions, ambassadors, academics and civil society representatives.
	The International Union of Tenants marked World Habitat Day with a conference on Affordable Housing for the Young- Make it happen now. Key note speakers from UN-HABITAT, the International Union of Tenants, the European Youth Forum, among others participated in the conference. The event was held at the Committee of the Regions Rue Belliard in Brussels on 3 October.
	The International Union of Architects (UIA) which also celebrates World Architecture Day on the first Monday of October in Neutral Bay, under the theme Architecture and Human Rights.
Germany	The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), on behalf of the German Development Cooperation, held a World Habitat Day event on 4 October. Activities included a quiz on the subject sustainable urban development. Students from nearby colleges were invited to share their vision of a green city. The event was documented and used for raising awareness about the need to tackle urbanization challenges.
Hungary	Habitat for Humanity Hungary celebrated World Habitat Day in Budapest through activities aimed at elevating the level of participation from the community to maximize awareness among the local population with regards to this year's World Habitat Day theme, Cities and Climate Change.
Italy	The Mayor of Naples with the Foundation Forum of Culture organized a Mayors' conference in Naples on 3 and 4 October, to mark World Habitat Day. The conference, on the theme Cities of the Future had participation of 20 mayors where 4 sessions on urban finance, urban regeneration, sustainable development, and urban inclusion were held. The workshop was held in Castel dell'Ovo in the City of Naples.
	Food for the cities programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations held a 2 hour seminar for World Habitat Day under the theme Cities, Climate change and food and nutrition security.
	World Habitat Day was celebrated in Naples with a mayors' workshop on the "Cities of Future" on 3 and 4 October. Organized by the Naples city council, the Campania Region, and the Universal Forum of Culture Foundation with UN-HABITAT support, the workshop at the same time served as a preparatory event for the sixth edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF) that will be held in Naples 1-7 September 2012. The workshop, attended by delegations from 9 cities from Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Oceania, had four sessions on: urban finance, urban regeneration, sustainable development, and urban inclusion. Each session was introduced by resource persons like: Paul Connett, Professor of Chemistry at St. Lawrence University in New York, Abosede Bolaji Francisco, Honourable Commissioner For physical planning and urban development Lagos State, and Mariam Yunusa WUF Project Director. The workshop was opened by the Mayor of Naples, Luigi de Magistris and stressed the importance of the next World Urban Forum the city will host next year.
Kosovo	Kosovo's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government, Mr. Slobodan Petrovic, and the Deputy Minister of Spatial Planning and Environment, Mr. Shpëtim Rudi attended a high profile World Habitat Day conference on cities and climate change. They were joined by the Country Director of the Swedish International Development Agency, Ms. Maria Melbing, the Head of UN-HABITAT-Kosovo, Ms. Krystyna Galezia, and representatives of various Kosovo municipalities and ministries, experts and professionals as well as civil society representatives. In their speeches, several cited facts and data on the actual situation on the climate change and emphasizing cities as contributors to this phenomenon. The host, Ms. Galeiza, highlighted the work being done to assist Kosovo Municipalities on environmental issues related to urbanization, and reducing the urban environmental footprint through their strategic documents. The meeting focused on lessons learned from a study trip in Sweden. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Mr. Arben Citaku, urged Kosovo Municipalities to draft their strategic development plans, and take into consideration the environmental issues including the energy efficiency measures in design and construction.
Portugal	Lajes field Air Base celebrated World Habitat Day and the theme Cities and Climate Change on 3 October in Azores. During the event, a video by Environmental Protection Agency about climate change was shown in a local high school. There was also an essay and poster contest about climate change where the winning article was published in Lajes Crosswords newspaper. On 13 October, there were talks on climate change to children in 4th Grade, who were also be shown a video, 'Adventures on a Changing Planet: Our heroes save the plankton' from NASA. The children also participated in painting and color drawings activities aimed at educating them on the importance of Planet Earth. The organizations involved in this event were the Civil Engineer Asset Optimization Flight from 65th Civil Engineer Squadron; the Library from the 65th Force Support Squadron; 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs and the Lajes Elementary - High School from the Department of Defense Dependent Schools.
The Netherlands	Urban Matters, an initiative inspired by the Dutch development organization Cordaid and strives to improve both the living environment and the living conditions of slum dwellers, working in various cities in Africa and Latin America celebrated World Habitat Day by organizing an interactive network meeting to which about 60-70 persons with different backgrounds from various profit and non-profit organizations will be invited. The objective of the event was to exchange innovative ideas on sustainable urban development, related to the theme of Cities and Climate Change. The program included an opening speech to introduce the Urban Matters approach and draw attention to this year's theme by providing information on the urban dimension of climate change; inspirational speeches on successful and innovative initiatives from different institutions; and an interactive session to connect knowledge, networks and skills in order to find sustainable and inclusive solutions to urban problems in a rapidly urbanizing world.
United Kingdom	Article 25, an operational UK registered charity that designs, builds, and manages projects to provide better shelter wherever there is disaster, poverty, or need held an event to commemorate World Habitat Day on 3 October. The main activity was a photography competition run on their Facebook page, where participants sent a picture that best shows the relationship between Cities and Climate Change in their own city. Other activities were debates and discussions on Facebook, Twitter and RIBA Knowledge Community pages in the following months to explore and create food for thought around this symbiotic relationship between cities and climate change.
	Barr Beacon School promoted World Habitat Day and the theme Cities and Climate Change with the pupils at the school. The event was aimed at raising awareness of the Day and its theme to the pupils and the school.
	Back2Front Media Ltd. run a feature on their website www.thesourcemagonline.com regarding World Habitat Day and the theme Cities and Climate Change. The feature is aimed at raising awareness and celebrating the Day while communicating the concept and how people can get involved.

Country	Event
Argentina	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 organisations, universities and centers of research, international organisations in Argentina and social movements attended the World Habitat Day celebrations in Playón Chacarita, Fraga 900 in Buenos Aires City. The national event celebrated the Day and the theme, Cities and Climate Change, the event was also used to advocate for Urban Reform – The right to the city.
Argentina	The NGO Red Habitat Argentina, based in Buenos Aires, organized a seminar entitled, 'Projects to strengthen the law of urbanization'. It was held in the neighbourhood of Playón de Chacarita, drawing slum dwellers and city council officials among the delegates.
Brazil	The Pontificate Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro signed its first Memorandum of Understanding with UN-HABITAT. It was signed on behalf of the agency by Mr. Alain Grimard, Director of UN-HABITAT's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean. In São Luiz do Maranhao, the Federal University of Maranhao organized a seminar on Climate Change and a t -shirt raffle for listeners of UFMA FM Radio.
	Guarulhos City Council raised awareness and celebrated World Habitat Day in São Paulo on 3 October. The Council selected projects in the area which relate to the theme Cities and Climate Change, where the selected projects were presented to the local government and promoted in the community during World Habitat Day. The event used mass media to further promote the Day and reach more people.
	The Instituto de Arquitetos do Brasil (IAB-MG) held, for the third consecutive year, a meeting of 'community movements in the cities' to celebrate World Habitat Day and the theme Cities and Climate Change. The event was held at the headquarters of the IAB-MG, Belo Horizonte city, Minas Gerais on 3 October.
	The Point of Culture Jeca Tatu, Suzano organized a World Habitat Day event in their city, Sao Paulo. The event was aimed at addressing the threat of congestion in the City in a rally targeting a thousand people. Activities included showing a movie on the main street, collection of signatures to pass a law for the recognition of cultural heritage of the city, statements on the theme of World Habitat Day and an exhibition of images of the Territory Jeca Tatu.
Colombia	UN-HABITAT presented its Global Report on Human Settlements: Cities and Climate Change at a seminar in Bogota. A similar event was held at Andes University.
Colombia	The Urban Management and Development program at Universidad del Rosario in Bogotá organized an event to celebrate World Habitat Day. The event aimed at promoting awareness around three issues: consumption patterns, improving communication strategies to mitigate climate change and integrate institutional management. Special guests included Mr. Luis Fernando Vásquez, specialist in rivers' protection, Mr. Manuel Hennessey international advisor on climate change, Mr. Israel Acosta, Forestry economist and Abuelo Suaga Gua Ingativa Neusa from the Muisca indigenous group with invaluable expertise on how to deal with climate change from his community´s perspective. Parallel to this event, films and documentaries on climate change were shown around campus.
Costa Rica	Sustainable Housing for the Middle Class was the theme of the first national contest for young architects. The event took place in the School of Architects of Costa Rica, in San Jose.
El Salvador	The Vice Minister of Housing and Urban Development and UN representatives held a national urban space design contest to mark World Habitat Day.
Ecuador	A national design contest on Housing and Climate Change was launched as a preliminary activity towards the main celebration on World Habitat Day. The event was developed in close cooperation with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MIDUVI) and the National Association of Architects (CAE). The best prototypes housing design that use alternative technologies and are sustainable, and can also be acquired with a subsidy given by the Government, according to the national housing policy were awarded on World Habitat Day.
Ecuador	In Quito, the College of Architects of Ecuador supported by the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing held a series of debates during the week. The highlight of the World Habitat Day events was a children's' art exhibition produced for a "drawing houses for climate change" contest. A contest was also held on the theme in all schools in Havana, Bayamo, Holguín, Santa Clara and Cienfuegos.
Haiti	Organisation pour la Rénovation Environnante du Sud d'Haïti (RESH) launched the Integration Program of Culture Technology for community development in a conference on the importance of education. The aim of the program is to encourage introduction of teaching programmes about cities and climate change and environmental sustainability into the school curriculum. The event involved the youth together with local and national authorities.
Mexico	The World Habitat Day Global Observance was held in the city of Aguascalientes on 3 October. The high level event was attended by the President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa who opened the global commemoration. Statements were heard from UN-HABITAT Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos, the Minister for Social Development, Mr. Heriberto Félix Guerra, and Aguascalientes Governor Mr. Carlos Lozano de la Torre, after which the winners of the 2011Scroll of Honour, Habitat Good Practices, and World Habitat Awards were awarded. The event was attended by over 2,000 participants and was broadcasted to thousands globally. Following the main event were discussions and forums on the theme, Cities and Climate Change moderated by UN-HABITAT, a University Congress and an Exhibition on the theme of World Habitat Day.
	On 4 October, UN-HABITAT together with UNEP, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNODC, CAD Mexico Design Center, Red Pacto Mundial Mexico, Naciones Unidas Centro de Informacion, Medio Siglo en Mexico, Global Impact and CAD Fundacion FCAD awarded winners of the Cities and Climate Change National Photo Competition at an evening cocktail in Mexico City. Speeches were given by representatives from UNEP and UN-HABITAT.
	Colegio José Joaquín Fernández de Lizardi, a bilingual school in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco organized a project to raise awareness of the issues associated with cities and climate change. A speech competition was held on 3 October with the aim of providing students, parents and the wider community with information about the issues associated with our rapidly developing urban environment, and persuading them to make a change.
Peru	The Municipality of Lima held several promotion and awareness raising activities aimed at tackling the impacts of climate change. The events will run throughout the month of October.

Country	Event
Canada	The City of Toronto held a charity fund raiser involving their community partners who focus on building affordable housing, local arts organization that serve the homeless and the youth at risk. The event was held at Toronto's City Hall on 3 October.
	Home Ownership Alternatives, a private sector affordable ownership organization in Ontario held a local World Habitat Day event at Enoch Turner School House, Toronto.
	The Enabling City, an international initiative based in Toronto organized a meeting aimed at bringing together professionals, students, creatives and academics to discuss the issue of urban sustainability while raising awareness on World Habitat Day and introducing tools and initiatives that can empower communities to make the transition to a climate change-ready culture.
U.S.A	The NGO Committee on Human Settlements and UN-HABITAT New York mobilized communities in New York for the celebration of World Habitat Day on 3 October. Activities were held with partners in the academic institutions throughout New York to promote the visibility and importance of World Habitat Day.
	Habitat for Humanity International engaged in a series of special activities over six weeks to highlight the need for safe, decent and affordable shelter beginning on World Habitat Day and culminating with the efforts of their global volunteers during the 28th annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Haiti in November. The primary events were: on World Habitat Day, on 3 October, Habitat will dedicate its 500,000th house in Maai Mahiu, Kenya and raise the walls on its 500,001st house in Paterson, New Jersey. The theme of the event is, "housing cities after a disaster. On 6 October, an evening event, the Build Hope, An Evening Honoring Humanitarian Leadership will be held in Washington, D.C. The Build Hope event will bring together friends of Habitat for Humanity, government officials, congressional representatives, and corporate and philanthropic leaders to focus attention on World Habitat Day; on Habitat's post disaster recovery work in Haiti; and to launch Habitat's flagship annual event, the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. The evening will include entertainment and remarks from special guests. Between 5-12 November, the event, Habitat's 28th Annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project will be held in Haiti, of Habitat for Humanity's observance of World Habitat Day. Carter Work Project volunteers will build 100 earthquake-resistant homes in the city of Léogâne, 18 miles from Port-au-Prince. The 100 homes will become part of a larger 500-home community that will be developed over the next two years.
	MIT Climate CoLab used Tweeter to raise awareness and advocacy for World Habitat Day and this year's theme, Cities and Climate Change. World Habitat Day participants were invited to share their ideas about cities and climate solutions in the CoLab, where they can be developed by collective intelligence of contributors worldwide.
	The University of California Habitat for Humanity Chapter held week-long series of events for World Habitat Day at the university in an event named the World Habitat Week 2011. This was a week of events designed to make the campus body reflect on sustainable urban development. Going along with this year's theme, the events focused on educating and engaging students on issues related to environmental sustainability. Activities included: educational games, dissemination of facts with food, a social media photo campaign through Facebook asking students "How will you contribute to sustainability?", a contest asking students to use plastic bags in creative new ways (in accordance with California's Plastic Bag Reduction Act), and more.