Kumari Selja to address World Habitat Day 2009 celebrations today

New Delhi, Oct 5 (ANI): Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Tourism Kumari Selja will address World Habitat Day (WHD) 2009 celebrations today.

The theme for the WHD is "Planning our urban future".

The theme has been chosen in order to raise awareness for improvement of urban planning to deal with new challenges of the 21st century, as in both developed and developing countries, cities and towns are increasingly feeling the effects of climate change, resource depletion, food insecurity, population growth and economic instability.

The idea is to reflect on the state of human settlements and the necessity of adequate shelter for all. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of human habitat.

The focus will be on "Inclusive Planning" and the shifts, technological innovations and financial instaurations to achieve the same.

The United Nations has designated the first Monday in October each year as the WHD. (ANI)