World Cities Day

World Cities Day is observed annually on October 31. This day highlights the importance of cities and how they can shape our future—focusing on how urbanization offers opportunities and challenges, and how we can make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

History of World Cities Day

The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 68/239 on December 27, 2013, and the first observance took place on October 31, 2014. It marks the end of “Urban October,” a month of activities related to urban issues led by UN-Habitat.

Why is World Cities Day important?

Cities are now home to more than half of the world’s population, making urban areas critical fronts for tackling climate change, inequality, health, infrastructure and governance. On this day, I like to think of how our daily lives—from the commute, to our neighbourhood, to how we access services—are shaped by how cities are planned and managed. It’s not just about the skyline: it’s about how people live inside it.
This day also matters because it gives us a chance to reflect on how cities can be engines of opportunity and places of struggle. Whether a city is thriving or under strain, what happens in urban areas impacts global development, social equity and environmental resilience. Recognizing that helps shift the conversation from “cities are big” to “cities must be good for everyone.”

• It draws attention to the role of cities in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDG 11)
• It invites governments, civil society and citizens to work together on urban challenges like housing, transport, green space and governance
• It highlights that urbanization is a global trend and demands global cooperation
• It emphasises that planning for growth and change in cities today will define quality of life tomorrow
• It gives each of us a reason to think about how the city we live in could be better—for ourselves and for others

How to Celebrate World Cities Day

You don’t need to be a city planner to take part. Tune in to how your city works—or doesn’t—around you: use public transport, notice green spaces, reflect on access to services, or walk in a neighbourhood you haven’t explored. Make one small idea for making your city a bit better: talk to a neighbour, join a local clean-up, or send in a suggestion to your city council.
You could also share your story: post a photo of a part of your city you love (or one you think needs improvement), tag it with #WorldCitiesDay, and say why that space matters. It helps raise awareness in your community.

• Take a walk in your city and notice one thing that works well and one that could be improved
• Use public or active transport (bike, walk, bus) instead of your private car for one urban journey
• Write to your local government or community group with one idea to make your city more inclusive or greener
• Share a photo or story of your city on social media, noting the positive and the possible
• Support a local urban-development or neighbourhood initiative—volunteer, donate, or attend a meeting

World Cities Day Dates Table