UN urges collective effort to reduce urban poverty

(Oct.05,2010) World Habitat Day was observed on Monday on the theme “Better City, Better Life.” United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his message for this day, spotlighted the effect that smart policies and actions can have on the well-being of the estimated 1 billion people worldwide, who live in slums or other forms of sub-standard housing. “The urban poor are too often condemned to a life without basic rights, hope of an education or decent work,” said Ban, noting that they typically live in developing countries and majority under the age of 25. “Lacking adequate provision of freshwater, electricity, sanitation or health care, they suffer privations that all too often provide the tinder for the fires of social unrest, he said.
Ban stressed that vulnerable to exploitation and corruption, they need and deserve better cities and a better life. He emphasized that the challenges of urban poverty, stretching from pollution to criminal gang culture, can be overcome. He said “Many cities are finding successful solutions. Smart cities recognize the importance of good governance, basic urban services for all, and streets and public spaces, where women and children feel safe. They also recognize that better cities can help to mitigate global challenges, such as climate change, by promoting energy conservation and environmental sustainability.” Events are taking place around the globe to mark World Habitat Day, which the UN designates as the first Monday in October each year, including in such cities as Barcelona, Spain; Kolkata, India; and Nakuru, Kenya.
Vienna is among the winners of the UN-HABITAT 2010 Scroll of Honour award for improving living conditions in towns and cities. According to the citation, the Austrian capital, put people and their views first in a multi-million dollar model urban renovation programme, under which sub-standard housing stock has been reduced over the years to below nine per cent following improvements to more than 5,000 buildings with nearly a quarter of a million apartments. Other winners include China, Colombia, Morocco, Singapore and South Africa.