![](\"https:\/\/static.pib.gov.in\/WriteReadData\/userfiles\/image\/image001ID48.jpg\")
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The theme for this year\u2019s World habitat Day<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0is\u00a0\u2018Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future\u2019<\/strong>\u00a0which aims at addressing the challenges and opportunities of rapid urbanisation through involvement of youth in participatory processes and local leadership opportunities. The emphasis is on advocating for young people\u2019s active participation in urban planning and decision-making processes to create more inclusive, resilient and sustainable urban environments.<\/p>\n The Secretary, Shri Srinivas Katikithala stressed that<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0India is experiencing a demographic window of opportunity, a \u201cyouth bulge\u201d. This youth bulge, can yield critical thinkers, change makers and leaders who will drive India\u2019s growth with proper guidance and support. This young demographic profile of India will be a key driver in reshaping our urban centre, which is marked by their digital proficiency, innovative thinking, and an entrepreneurial spirit. The Secretary, further elaborated on several programmes of the Government such as PMAY-U, DAY-NULM, AMRUT 2.0 etc. which meaningfully engage youth for creating better Urban future.<\/p>\n Additional Secretary (Housing)<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0welcomed all the dignitaries and drew attention to the current theme of the World Habitat Day of Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future. He underlined the importance of identifying and cultivating the skills for unlocking the potential of young people for sustainable urban development and economic growth.<\/p>\n The Government of India has also introduced<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0a range of initiatives in the Union Budget 2024-25 to boost youth education, skill development, innovation, and overall progress. Internship opportunities would be provided to 1 crore youth in the coming 5 years in 500 top companies. A special allocation of \u20b92 lakh crore has been allocated towards providing employment and skilling opportunities to 4.1 crore youth over the next five years.<\/p>\n \u00a0On this occasion, Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0delivered the message of the Secretary General, United Nations and Ms. Parul Agarwala, Country Programme Manager read out the message of Executive Director, UN Habitat. They emphasised that cities are growing rapidly, and by 2030, 60 percent of urban residents will be under the age of 18. This demographic shift presents a unique opportunity to harness the energy of youth to address urban challenges and create sustainable solutions.<\/p>\n The event was marked by the release of publications<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0by the Minister of State (HUA) and other distinguished guests and prize distribution to school children including specially-abled children in various competitions organised to commemorate the event.<\/p>\n \u00a0The winners of \u2018HUDCO Best Practices award to improve the living environment\u2019 were also felicitated during the event. Shri Dinesh Kapila, Economic Advisor, MoHUA delivered the Vote of Thanks<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India observed the World Habitat Day 2024 on 9th October, 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, Shri Tokhan Sahu honored the event. The event was also graced by Shri Srinivas Katikithala, …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[136],"tags":[3160,17169,17170,7875,17167,16763,6296,5515,17168],"class_list":["post-21318","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","","category-national","tag-environmental-sustainability","tag-habitat-awareness","tag-housing-initiatives","tag-ministry-of-housing-and-urban-affairs","tag-mohua","tag-sustainable-living","tag-urban-development","tag-urban-planning","tag-world-habitat-day-2024"],"yoast_head":"\n![](\"https:\/\/static.pib.gov.in\/WriteReadData\/userfiles\/image\/image0028GQ7.jpg\")
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