GLOBAL THEME  :  “ RESPONDING TO URBAN CRISIS »

NATIONAL THEME: « INNOVATING AND ACTING LOCALLY IN RESPONSE TO URBAN CRISIS: FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND PARTICIPATIVE MANAGEMENT TOWARDS CAMEROON’S DEVELOPMENT »

CONTEXTE ET JUSTIFICATION

The World Habitat Day was established in 1985 by the United Nations in response to the pressing global housing crisis, with over 1.6 billion people living in inadequate housing and a further 100 million homeless.

Celebrated on the first Monday of October each year, the day focuses on the need for safe, sustainable and affordable housing for all, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of achieving this goal.

On this occasion, UN-Habitat encourages action in favor of inclusive housing and sustainable urban development, with the aim of making cities safer, more resilient and more environment-friendly.

The global nature of the day is underlined by the fact that, over the years, different cities around the world have hosted related celebrations, addressing various themes such as affordable housing, the impact of urbanization on the environment and the importance of sustainable urban planning.

The city of Yaoundé hosted the global celebration of the 2019 edition, during which it was recalled that the transformation of waste into wealth must be a reality within the initiatives of Councils, citizens, and development partners.

The 2025 edition of the World Habitat Day will be dedicated to “Responding to Urban Crises”. This global theme calls for the management of the various crises affecting urban areas, including climate and conflicts that contribute to inequalities, and the promotion of existing tools and approaches for an effective response.

At national level, the issues of innovation and local action in response to urban crisis could lead local players to raise the issue of the importance of integrated and participative management in Cameroon”.

Moreover, with presidential elections scheduled for October, it would be a good idea to raise people’s awareness of civic responsibility at election time.

The present Terms of Reference specify the organization of the said celebration of this day which, since its creation, has become an important platform for advocating the improvement of living standards and meeting urban challenges.