Urban October
Urban October is an opportunity for everyone to be part of the conversation about the challenges and opportunities created by the fast rate of change in our cities and towns. Each October, everyone interested in sustainable urbanization from national and local governments to universities, NGOs and communities is encouraged to hold or participate in activities, events, and discussions.
The month begins with World Habitat Day on the first Monday of the month, and ends with World Cities Day on 31 October. Activities take place on those specific days or at any time during the month.
The UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour award is one of the highlights of the World Habitat Day global observance. The award, a plaque engraved with the name of the winner, is presented to the selected winners during the global observance.
By engaging all stakeholders, cities can harness transformational change and ensure a better life for all in an urbanizing world.
Latest Urban October report - (2023)
Expressions of Interest
CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO HOST WORLD HABITAT DAY AND WORLD CITIES DAY 2026
UN-Habitat has officially opened the call for countries to express interest in hosting the global observances of World Habitat Day and World Cities Day in 2026. These high-profile events offer a unique opportunity to put urbanization, housing, and sustainable development issues on the world stage. The call will close on 30 June 2025.
HOW TO APPLY
Countries interested in hosting either or both of the 2026 observances are invited to submit their expression of interest using the official guidelines.
Scroll of Honor 2025
The UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award, launched in 1989, recognizes individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to urban development, including improving the quality of urban life for all and providing adequate, affordable, and accessible housing.
Nominations are now closed. Five winners will be selected and notified starting July 2025. The awards will be presented during the global observance of World Habitat Day on 6 October 2025.
