Today marks World Habitat Day, the beginning of Urban October. The focus of this World Habitat Day is ‘Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future’, and the vital role young people play in shaping the cities and communities of tomorrow. At Habitat for Humanity Australia, we see firsthand the incredible potential of the new generation to lead the way toward sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban spaces. In the face of pressing global challenges—especially climate migration and the growing vulnerability of informal settlements across Asia and the Pacific—our youth are central to building a better urban future.
Climate Migration and Its Impact on Informal Settlements
The Asia-Pacific region is one of the most climate-vulnerable areas in the world with millions already being displaced by the effects of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changing climate patterns. Informal settlements, where many low-income families reside, are often situated in hazard-prone areas such as floodplains and coastal regions, making these communities especially susceptible to the impacts of climate change.
IOM UN Migration
With limited access to resilient housing and essential infrastructure, informal settlements face heightened risks of displacement and loss of livelihood, further fueling cycles of poverty. This scenario makes climate migration a key issue in urban planning, as populations increasingly move to cities in search of safety and opportunity. Urban spaces are growing rapidly, yet the infrastructure and planning often lag behind, resulting in overcrowded and poorly serviced areas.
The Role of Youth in Shaping Urban Futures
Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but active participants in today’s urban solutions. Their involvement in planning and decision-making processes can transform communities, making cities more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient to climate impacts. To effectively engage young people in urban planning, it is essential to provide them with opportunities to contribute to solutions—especially those that address the needs of marginalized communities affected by climate migration.
Through participatory processes, youth can help identify the most pressing issues in their local contexts, bring fresh ideas, and co-create solutions that are not only innovative but deeply connected to the lived experiences of those most impacted by climate change. By giving youth a voice in policy discussions and urban planning, we ensure that future cities reflect the aspirations and needs of all generations.
How Habitat Australia is Building Youth Engagement
At Habitat for Humanity, we are committed to fostering youth engagement through a range of programs that empower young people to take action on housing and urban issues. One the ways we do this is through our recently launched, Global Village Schools Program, which offers students the opportunity to directly engage with housing challenges whilst making a tangible difference to the lives of a partner family.
Through hands-on experience, students not only gain a deep understanding of housing inequality but also have the opportunity to observe the effects of climate change, WASH and other housing challenges faced across Asia-Pacific. The program encourages young people to become advocates for more just and resilient urban futures.
how you can get involved
On this World Habitat Day, we invite young people, educators, and communities to join us in this mission. Together, we can build a better future—one that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for generations to come.
Learn more about how you can get involved with our Global Village Schools Program here. You can also support our work in climate-affected regions by visiting our website or signing our Home Equals petition, our five year global advocacy campaign supporting those living in informal settlements.