WORLD HABITAT DAY 1997 TO BE OBSERVED AT HEADQUARTERS, 6 OCTOBER
Press Release
WORLD HABITAT DAY 1997 TO BE OBSERVED AT HEADQUARTERS, 6 OCTOBER
19971002 New York, 7 October (Habitat) -- Governments, local authorities and the civil society around the world will observe World Habitat Day on Monday, 6 October, with a variety of events on the theme "Future Cities".A series of events will be held on that theme, with special emphasis on the essential role of partnership with civil society in the common struggle towards sustainable human settlements. These events will provide an opportunity to reflect on the problems and challenges facing our cities and how those problems can be overcome to make urban centers more equitable and sustainable.
On the morning of 6 October, two panels composed of representatives of the academic world, the private sector, public administration, non- governmental organizations (NGOs) and professional associations will discuss issues relating to the themes, "Healthy Future Cities" and "Sustaining Communities".
In the afternoon, the United Nations film "A Cyber-tale of Three Cities", which was shown at the recently concluded Venice Film Festival, will be screened. This will be followed by a panel discussion with senior representatives of three academic institutions in New York -- Columbia University, Pratt Institute and the City College -- which have been actively collaborating with United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) since the preparatory process of the Habitat II Conference. They will discuss their ongoing activities in the field of human settlements and the partnerships they have established. The mayor of Sisli, Istanbul (Turkey) will also be on the panel, along with representatives of professional organizations, and grassroots and women's groups.
Additional information on World Habitat Day can be obtained from the Habitat office at Two United Nations Plaza, Room DC2-943, New York, NY 10017. Tel: 212 963-4200. Web site: http://www.unhabitat.org
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