Born on October 31
World Cities Day
A card for the city you love.
Next: October 31, 2027
Where it comes from
World Cities Day began as an idea at Expo 2010 Shanghai, whose theme was 'Better City, Better Life'. On the Expo's closing day, 31 October 2010, the Shanghai Declaration proposed that the date become a day for cities. The UN General Assembly agreed in 2013, and the first World Cities Day was held in Shanghai in 2014.
How it's celebrated
The global observance in each year's host city brings together ministers, mayors, planners and residents for forums and talks, and the Shanghai Award for sustainable cities is presented during the event. UN-Habitat's partners add their own local and national events.
Did you know
Until 2009 more people lived in the countryside than in towns; today about 55 per cent of the world lives in towns and cities, and the UN expects almost 70 per cent by 2050.
Read the full story of World Cities Day
Also on this day
- Halloween · Lanterns lit, costumes on, sweets ready.
Star sign
Scorpio · October 23 – November 21 · Water sign
Intense and private, with a loyalty that runs deep.