Manila, October 1 2007 — World Habitat Day, celebrated during the first Monday of October each year, falls on October 1 and ushers the observance of October as the United Nations Month. The global observance aims to highlight the challenges that cities face and the solutions for ensuring sustainable urbanization and development. UN-HABITAT Philippines commemorates the event with a series of activities involving multi-sectoral partners in its development work in the country.
The day started in the morning at the UN Offices at the RCBC Plaza in Makati City with the launching of two major outputs: 1) an innovative lending facility for the urban poor and 2) the global report on human settlements. Ms. Eden Garde, Habitat Program Manager, a.i. of UN-HABITAT Philippines welcomed participants from the government, private sector and international community. The message of the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on the occasion of World Habitat Day was delivered by Ms. Nileema Noble, Resident Coordinator of the UN System in the Philippines. UN-HABITAT Executive Director Anna Tibaijuka delivered her message through video to highlight global solidarity in the celebration.
