Urban Mobility, Resilient Cities - The focus of World Habitat Day

Just over a week ago, 7th October 2013, World Habitat Day was celebrated. So the rest of you know, it is observed annually on the first Monday of October. The theme for this year was 'Urban Mobility'. Therefore, this day recognized the essential role of mobility as it provides access and connectivity to amenities, goods and services.

Now, we all know that vehicles, anthropogenic activities, and urbanization (especially those activities that takes place in an urban setting) contributes to and is a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These factors also impacts on environmental and economic sustainability. However, at the same time - mobility can inverse these impacts through improved mobility and urban design.

Furthermore, through a statement by Joan Clos (ED: UN-HABITAT) stated that:

"..accessible cities encourage a shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation and draw more and more travelers out of cars and onto trains, buses, bike paths, and sidewalks."

True mobility is not only having the ability to access services and amenities through your own will, but also doing so responsibly. As stated above, mobility is also traveling responsibly and sustainably through the transport network provided. 

For more statements and press releases of the day, please follow the links below:

• Ban Ki-moon (UN Secretary-General)
• John Ashe (UN General Assembly President)
• UN-HABITAT Press Release
• UN Press Release on 7th October 2013

I would like to encourage each and everyone out there to start thinking about commuting with public transport and that private vehicle use is a luxury enjoyed too often for our own good.