World Cities Day is celebrated on October 31st to promote sustainable urban development and address the challenges of urbanization: 

Purpose

The day aims to encourage cooperation between countries, promote international interest in urbanization, and contribute to sustainable urban development. 

History

The United Nations General Assembly designated World Cities Day in 2013 as a result of the Shanghai International Expo 2010. The first celebration was on October 31, 2014. 

Theme

The theme for 2023 was "Financing sustainable urban future for all". The theme focused on increasing public investment to finance urban development. 

Partners

The World Health Organization (WHO) joins the UN and its partners in observing World Cities Day. The WHO organizes events to raise awareness of urban health issues, launch new technical guidance, and disseminate advocacy messages. 

Urban October

UN-Habitat launched Urban October in 2014 to highlight urban challenges and engage the international community towards the New Urban Agenda. 

Cities

Cities generate more than 80 percent of the global GDP, but they can also be an inequality trap due to overcrowding, pollution, poor infrastructure, and social injustice.