Marking World Habitat Day, which is observed every year on the first Monday of October, top United Nations officials today urged the creation of \u201cPublic spaces for all.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPublic spaces are crucial for poor and vulnerable citizens,\u201d said<\/a> Secretary-General<\/a> Ban Ki-moon in a statement. \u201cImproving access to them, and making them safe for women and girls, increases equity, promotes inclusion and combats discrimination.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHigh-quality public spaces encourage people to communicate and collaborate with each other, and to participate in public life,\u201d he continued. \u201cPublic spaces can also provide basic services, enhance connectivity, spawn economic activity and raise property values while generating municipal revenue.\u201d<\/p>\n But, said Mr. Ban, public spaces require careful collaboration among local authorities, local inhabitants and other actors.<\/p>\n The Secretary-General also highlighted the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goal 11, which aims to \u201cmake cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable,\u201d noting that the goal represented a \u201cbroad international consensus that recognizes sustainable urban development as a transformational approach.\u201d<\/p>\n The Executive Director of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Joan Clos, noting the importance of the day\u2019s theme, said<\/a> in a statement that \u201cthe character of a city is defined by its streets and public spaces.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPublic space is a vital component of a prosperous city,\u201d said Mr. Clos. \u201cWell designed and managed public space is a key asset for a city\u2019s functioning and has a positive impact on its economy, environment, safety, health, integration and connectivity.<\/p>\n \u201cThe quality of life for people in cities is directly related to the state of its public spaces,\u201d he continued. \u201cPublic space provides room for social and cultural interaction and can foster a sense of belonging and pride in an area. A public space that is open to all, regardless of ethnic origin, age or gender, provides a democratic forum for citizens and society.\u201d<\/p>\n Without adequate public space, cities can become increasingly segregated, noted Mr. Clos. \u201cThe result can be a polarized city where social tensions are likely to flare up and where crime and violence rises.\u201d<\/p>\n