Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
Zimbabwe is set to hold its belated World Habitat Day commemorations today (Thursday), with the event to be presided over by the Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Zhemu Soda, at Vulindlela township, Rangemore, Umguza district.
A range of activities has been planned, with Minister Soda expected to deliver the keynote address. He will highlight some of the government’s measures aimed at mitigating rural-urban migration and other social services currently being implemented.
This year’s commemorations are held under the theme “Urban Crisis Response.” The theme focuses on addressing multiple crises affecting urban areas—including climate change and conflicts—that contribute to inequality. It also promotes existing tools and approaches for effective crisis response.
World Habitat Day emphasizes sustainable, scalable, and transformative solutions to urban displacement that help stabilize populations, promote prosperity, and foster social cohesion for all. The day shines a spotlight on the importance of urban and territorial planning, inclusive urban governance, and the role of local governments in providing sustainable solutions for displacement.
An increasing number of people are being driven from their homes by crises such as conflict, political instability, climate change, and economic hardship. A record 122 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide, and in an increasingly urbanizing world, displacement has become predominantly an urban phenomenon. Over 60 percent of internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrants seek refuge in cities, placing pressure on local systems. This accelerates urban growth and significantly transforms territories, making urban crisis response and displacement a timely focus for the 2025 World Habitat Day.
In 1985, the United Nations designated the first Monday of October each year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of human habitats and the basic right of all people to adequate shelter. The day also serves as a reminder that everyone has the power and responsibility to shape the future of cities and towns—it is a collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.
In a solidarity message marking this year’s commemorations, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said cities often bear the brunt of today’s crises. He noted that conflict, political instability, and the climate emergency have forced millions of people from their homes—most seeking safety in cities and towns already under pressure.
“About one in eight people live in informal settlements, and more than 300 million have no home at all.
Health services, water systems, and transport networks are stretched, while the risks of new disasters loom. Yet cities are where solutions can take root and grow. When we plan for inclusion, newcomers help to drive economies, strengthen communities, and enrich culture,” said Guterres.
