In today's urbanizing world, cities are the beating hearts of our global community. With more than half of the world's population residing in cities and urban areas, the significance of these urban centers is undeniable. As a real estate and property development company, OXO recognizes the consequential responsibility and potential cities hold in shaping a sustainable future. We are proud to be part of the global celebration of World Cities Day, an initiative set forth by the United Nations to honor and promote the development of cities that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
World Cities Day was established in 2013 by the United Nations General Assembly. The first-ever World Cities Day was celebrated on October 31, 2014, and it was inspired by the legacy of Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China. This momentum aligns perfectly with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Cities play a pivotal role in the global pursuit of sustainability. They are hubs of innovation, culture, and economic activity. They also bring together diverse communities, fostering inclusivity and interconnectedness. Recognizing this, SDG 11 embodies the ambition to transform cities and human settlements into sustainable and livable landscapes
Through sustainable urban planning and development, we can address a wide range of global challenges, including poverty, discrimination, and inequality. Cities have the potential to be leaders in implementing anti-pandemic measures and building a better, more equitable future. The celebration of World Cities Day allows us to acknowledge the progress made and identify new challenges on the path to achieving these goals.
The celebration of World Cities Day extends throughout the month of October, known as Urban October. It's a time for reflection, discussion, and action, where local communities, organizations, and governments come together to share their experiences and approaches to building greener, more equitable, and sustainable cities.
This year, the World Cities Day 2023 theme is "Financing a Sustainable Urban Future for All." This theme aims to explore how to unlock transformative investment in urban planning and achieve adequate fiscal decentralization. Financing sustainable urban development is critical in addressing the complex challenges that cities face in the 21st century. Given the growing urban population, it's crucial to think about how to finance and take the lead in addressing the challenges cities face. Collaboration and sharing of best practices are key to achieving these goals.
As a real estate- property development and management company, OXO is committed to mainstreaming sustainability in all our principles and practices. In line with the World Cities Day's mission, we are excited to announce the opening of a sustainable working space on November 1. This space embodies our commitment to creating greener, more equitable, and sustainable urban environments where people can learn, work, and thrive.
As we are about to launch our Workland, we look forward to welcoming businesses, innovators, and entrepreneurs who share our vision of a more sustainable urban future. This space will not only offer a modern and eco-friendly environment but will also serve as a hub for collaborative ideas and initiatives. We aim to foster a community of like-minded individuals and organizations who are committed to making our world more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Together, we will #BuildTomorrowToday to create a better and brighter world for all.
