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First Monday of October • Shelter & Rights

World Habitat Day

The United Nations designated the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. First celebrated in 1986, it reminds the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities. Today we're debating the future of living—is a safe home a human right or a product, and how can we fix the global housing crisis?

World Habitat Day Lesson Visual

Speaking Discussion

  • Is housing a basic human right that the government should provide for free?
  • How does the environment of a city influence the mental health of its citizens?
  • Should we focus on building New cities or fixing the ones we already have?
  • What is the biggest challenge facing your hometown right now in terms of living space?
  • If you could design a perfect city from scratch, what would be the most important feature?

Activity 1: The City Planner

You are a Visionary Architect. You have been asked to solve "Homelessness" in your city. Pitch a 1-minute plan using the word "Sustainability".

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Justify your answer in 30 seconds:

  • "Cities are becoming too expensive for normal people to live in."
  • "Everyone should have a garden by law."
  • "Technology will solve the housing crisis in the future."