World Cities Day

World Cities Day 2024, observed on October 31, marks the 10^th anniversary of this UN-backed global event aimed at promoting sustainable urban development and fostering peace with nature through better urban planning.

World Cities Day is observed annually on October 31 to raise awareness about urbanization's challenges and opportunities. Established by the United Nations in 2013, this day promotes global collaboration to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The 2024 theme, “Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities”, highlights the role of young people in driving climate resilience and sustainable urban practices.

With more than 55% of the world’s population living in cities, rapid urbanization is transforming economies but also creating pressing challenges. In countries like India, urban expansion must align with sustainable urban development to address infrastructure deficits, pollution, housing shortages, and governance issues. This makes initiatives like World Cities Day crucial in shaping urban futures that foster peace with nature and economic growth.

• Date: October 31, 2024
• Inception: First observed in 2014 (10^th Anniversary in 2024)
• Founder: United Nations
• History: Established by a UN resolution on December 27, 2013
• Objectives:
  • Raise awareness about urbanization’s impact
  • Promote global cooperation for sustainable urban development
  • Encourage innovation in urban planning
• Slogan: Better City, Better Life
• Theme: Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities
• Activities: Seminars, conferences, educational programs, social media campaigns

The 2024 theme focuses on youth leadership in climate action and urban sustainability. Young people are at the forefront of innovative solutions in renewable energy, green infrastructure, and waste management, playing a crucial role in building sustainable cities.

Key Aspects of the Theme:

• Encourages youth-led initiatives for urban climate resilience
• Promotes eco-friendly innovations in urban planning
• Aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11

• Strengthens youth participation in policy-making and governance
• Highlights the role of digital technology in smart city planning

With cities responsible for over 70% of global carbon emissions, youth participation is essential in achieving peace with nature through green urban strategies and low-carbon economies.

Urbanization Trends: Global

• Over 55% of the global population resides in cities; projected to rise to 68% by 2050.
• Urban centers generate over 80% of global GDP, making cities crucial for economic progress.

India’s Urbanization Growth

• India is experiencing one of the fastest urbanization rates globally.

• By 2036, an estimated 600 million people (40% of the population) will reside in cities, contributing to 70% of India’s GDP.

Urbanization Trends in India

Overcrowding and Population Density

• Mega cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata are experiencing rapid population growth, leading to severe congestion.
• Overpopulation puts immense pressure on transport networks, healthcare facilities, and public services, reducing the overall quality of urban life.

Inadequate Infrastructure

• Many Indian cities struggle with poor sanitation, inadequate water supply, and inefficient urban mobility, affecting millions of residents.
• Waste management systems remain inefficient, leading to uncollected garbage, open dumping, and increasing health hazards.

Housing Shortages

• Rising urban property costs make housing unaffordable, forcing low-income populations into slums and informal settlements.
• Over 100 million people in India live in substandard housing, lacking access to basic amenities like clean water, sanitation, and electricity.

Environmental Pollution

• Air and water pollution have worsened due to industrial expansion, unchecked waste disposal, and poor emission controls.
• Vehicular emissions contribute significantly to poor air quality, leading to dangerous PM2.5 levels in major cities, impacting public health.

Traffic Congestion

• Urban centers face severe traffic gridlocks, increasing commute times and reducing productivity.
• The excessive use of private vehicles leads to higher carbon emissions, worsening air pollution and making cities less livable.

Smart Cities Mission (2015)

• Aims to develop 100 smart cities with advanced digital governance, green technology, and intelligent urban infrastructure.
• Focuses on energy efficiency, smart transport solutions, and urban sustainability, improving the overall quality of life in cities.

AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, 2015)

• Enhances urban water supply, sanitation, and waste management to improve the quality of essential services in cities.
• Aims to promote sustainable urban development by improving infrastructure and making cities more livable.

RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016)

• Ensures transparency and efficiency in real estate development, protecting homebuyers from fraudulent practices.
• Establishes a regulatory framework to promote sustainable and well-planned urban expansion.

National Urban Transport Policy

• Encourages mass transit systems such as metro rail and Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS) to improve urban mobility.
• Aims to reduce urban congestion and air pollution by promoting public transport and non-motorized transport solutions.

PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 2015)

• Strives to provide affordable housing for all by 2024, especially targeting urban low-income groups.
• Focuses on slum rehabilitation, credit-linked subsidies, and rental housing to address urban housing shortages.

Strengthening Urban Climate Resilience

• Cities should adopt nature-based solutions like urban forests, green rooftops, and sustainable drainage to mitigate climate risks.
• Policies must promote low-carbon urbanization with renewable energy, eco-friendly construction, and green transport.

Enhancing Public Participation and Youth Engagement

• Sustainable urban development needs active youth participation in waste management, smart cities, and energy efficiency.
• Decentralized governance will empower local communities in urban planning and policy-making.

Promoting Affordable and Inclusive Urban Growth

• Strengthen housing policies under PMAY and implement rental reforms to curb informal settlements.
• Invest in accessible healthcare, education, and employment to reduce urban inequalities.

Transitioning to Smart and Sustainable Mobility

• Expand metro networks, electrify public transport, and promote non-motorized transport to ease congestion.
• Improve urban mobility with Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS) and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

Strengthening Urban Governance and Policy Frameworks

• Equip Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) with financial autonomy and skilled resources for better governance.
• Enforce policies like RERA to ensure transparent and sustainable real estate development.

Aligning Urban Growth with Environmental Sustainability

• Achieve peace with nature by promoting circular economy principles in waste, water, and energy management.
• Strengthen pollution control measures and encourage waste-to-energy solutions for cleaner urban environments.

Read this article here: Transforming India's Urban Landscape

World Cities Day 2024 underscores the importance of sustainable urbanization as cities worldwide face growing challenges. The theme of youth-led climate action reinforces the need for innovative, green urban strategies.

India’s rapid urban growth presents both opportunities and hurdles, requiring robust policy frameworks, infrastructure investments, and citizen engagement. Through sustainable urban development, cities can achieve peace with nature, ensuring inclusive and resilient urbanization.

Which are the most urbanized states in India?

• The National Capital Territory of Delhi (97.5%) and the Union Territory of Chandigarh (97.25%) are the most urbanized regions in India. Among states, Goa (62.2%) has the highest urban population. Among major states, Tamil Nadu (48.4%) is the most urbanized, followed by Kerala (47.7%), which has overtaken Maharashtra (45.2%).

What are Tier-I, Tier-II, and Tier-III cities, and how are they classified?

• Indian cities are classified into tiers based on population and economic significance:

  • Tier-I cities: Highly developed metropolitan cities with a population above 1 lakh (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru).
  • Tier-II cities: Emerging urban centers with populations between 50,000 to 1 lakh, showing rapid infrastructure and economic growth (e.g., Jaipur, Lucknow, Visakhapatnam).
  • Tier-III cities: Smaller cities with populations between 20,000 to 50,000, often with developing infrastructure (e.g., Ranchi, Udaipur).

What are Urban Heat Islands (UHIs)?

• Due to rapid urbanization, cities experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas, a phenomenon known as Urban Heat Islands (UHIs). This occurs due to concrete infrastructure, reduced vegetation, heat-absorbing surfaces, and high energy consumption, leading to increased heat retention and altered local climates.

Read more about Urban Heat Islands here.