October 31 marks World Cities Day, which is widely celebrated by the international community, Azernews reports.

Themed "Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalyzing Local Action for Urban Sustainability", World Cities Day 2024 is a call to action for youth and local governments to work hand-in-hand to address the climate crisis.

These ideas were included in the appeal of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) to the international community and member countries on the occasion of the World Cities Day:

On October 31st of every year, the international community observes the World Cities Day, which is celebrated this year under the theme “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalyzing Local Action for Urban Sustainability”. It is an opportunity to highlight the role of youth in building sustainable urban societies, smart and green cities, and ensuring decent living conditions through innovative solutions to environmental challenges and urbanization.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) seizes this opportunity to call on the international community, including countries, international and regional organizations, international and regional bodies and the private sector, to promote youth contribution to environmental protection as one of the pillars of sustainable development by investing in building their capacities to adapt to climate change, developing youth and women initiatives and supporting projects that promote the shift towards smart, resilient and sustainable cities.

It is further noted that ICESCO, which supports the efforts of the international community and member states, has also implemented a number of initiatives and programs aimed at teaching young people to use modern technologies for innovation through the organization's Science and Environment sector within the framework of its new vision and strategic directions:

Responding to the efforts of the international community and Member States, ICESCO, as part of its new vision and strategic orientations, has launched a number of initiatives and programs, through its Science and Environment Sector, aimed at training youth to use modern technologies to innovate solutions likely to reduce the repercussions of climate change, such as the Youth Climate Leadership Training Camp, which aims to enhance youth capacities in developing and implementing innovative projects in the field of climate action, in addition to the Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Cities in the Islamic World Program, which seeks to promote these concepts in Member States and rational the use of natural resources, in addition to the youth training program on the development of small technology and innovation businesses.

Aware of the contributions of youth to building a better tomorrow, ICESCO stresses the need to hone their creative talent, passion and leadership skills to bring up new generations that can face the future challenges of climate change.

It should be noted that according to the latest report of the UN on World Cities Day, it is predicted that cities are projected to house 70% of the world's population by 2050, facing unprecedented challenges in the context of climate change. By 2030, an estimated 60% of people will live in urban areas, with up to 60% of urban dwellers under 18. Despite progress towards Sustainable Development Goals, cities, particularly in the Global South, continue to grapple with poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, necessitating urgent action.