In December 1985, the General Assembly of the United Nations, designated the first Monday in October as "World Habitat Day." 

It is a day to be observed worldwide to reflect on the living conditions of human beings and for actions to be taken to address the shortcomings of those conditions. The official celebrations in 2001 will be in Fukuoka, Japan, the home of Habitat in Asia.

The theme of this year's celebration - "Cities without Slums" - is one of the most challenging and pertinent themes that we have ever promoted.