World Cities Day

World Cities Day History

World Cities Day is an annual United Nations-designated observance that aims to promote the international community's interest in sustainable urban development, addressing challenges faced by modern cities and fostering cooperation among countries in meeting these challenges. The observance highlights the importance of well-planned urban spaces, efficient resource management, and strong governance in creating sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities. Key themes include environmental sustainability, improved infrastructure, social equity, and digital connectivity.

Introduced by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, World Cities Day endorses the New Urban Agenda, adopted at the Habitat III Conference in Quito, Ecuador, in 2016. This observance is particularly relevant to Australia as an increasingly urbanised country; today, more than 85% of the population lives in urban areas. As one of the world's most urbanised countries, Australia strives to create sustainable urban environments by investing in low-emission public transportation, renewable energy infrastructure, green building designs, and localised climate action plans.

With diverse events bringing together city officials, urban planners, academics, and citizens, World Cities Day encourages collaborative efforts in Australia to develop more sustainable and inclusive urban spaces. Primary activities include workshops, exhibitions, conferences, and symposiums discussing innovative urban solutions, knowledge sharing between Australian cities and their international counterparts, and engaging the broader public on urban sustainability issues. Australians observe World Cities Day on the 31st of October each year, joining the global community in celebrating the potential of cities as engines for sustainable development while recognising the challenges that lie ahead in our rapidly urbanising world.

World Cities Day facts

• The theme for World Cities Day in 2025 was Better City, Better Life: Smart Cities for People. In 2024 the theme was Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities. In 2023 the theme was Financing sustainable urban future for all.
• Globally, over 50% of the population lives in urban areas today.
• By 2045, the world’s urban population is expected to increase by 1.5 times to 6 billion.
• Sydney was established in 1788, making it the oldest city in Australia. With more than 5 million people, it is also the most populated.
• Perth is arguably the most isolated city in the world. The next closest city with a population over 100,000 is Adelaide, over 1,300 miles away.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Cities Day

Top things to do in Australia for World Cities Day

• Choose a city from a different country and cook a traditional dish from that city. Explore the diverse tastes and flavors of global cuisines right from your kitchen.
• Encourage friends and family to share their favorite memories from the cities they have visited. Discuss remarkable experiences, unforgettable landmarks, and personal highlights.