The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day. The purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities; it is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.

 This year World Habitat Day is celebrated on 5 October 2015 under the theme Public Spaces for All. This is being done in a partnership between the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the HeforShe initiative promoted by UN-Women with a view to promote the role for men and women alike in the creation of gender-equal public spaces for all.  It is a unique opportunity to raise awareness on the need and value of well designed and managed public spaces and streets in promoting gender equity, enhancing community cohesion, safety and healthy living environment for all citizens as well as supporting economic development.

On that occasion, Dr. Joan Clos, Executive Director of UN-Habitat highlighted that "the character of a city is defined by its streets and public spaces. From squares and boulevards to neighbourhood gardens and children playgrounds, public space frames city image. The connective matrix of streets and public spaces forms the skeleton of the city upon which all else rests (...).

Like in a perfect yin and yang, a city should allocate to open spaces, parks, squares and plazas at least the same proportion as to private space (...).

The quality of life for people in cities is directly related to the state of its public spaces. Public space provides room for social and cultural interaction and can foster a sense of belonging and pride in an area. A public space that is open to all, regardless of ethnic origin, age or gender, provides a democratic forum for citizens and society. Public space can bring communities together, provide meeting places and foster social ties. These spaces shape the cultural identity of an area, are part of its unique character and provide a sense of place for local communities. Sharing common spaces is the soul of the city."

The Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme in Kosovo implemented by UN-Habitat and funded by the Swedish Development Cooperation has significantly contributed over the years to public spaces through the design and implementation of enhanced public spaces in a participatory manner in a variety of Kosovo municipalities. In partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning and concerned municipalities, the Programme also developed processes and tools to promote and ensure public spaces are more livable, conducive and safe for women and children, older persons and persons with special needs. More recently UN-Habitat Kosovo also teamed up with the Municipality of Pristina with a view to engage through the use of Minecraft, youth, communities and urban professionals in the design of "ish-Tregu I Gjelbërt" in Sunny Hill, Pristina towards an improved public space accessible and enjoyable by all.

Let us ALL ensure that we reflect on the need to plan and manage public spaces as per the Sustainable Development Goal 11, adopted by the UN General Assembly, and which formulates the ambition to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

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