The United Nations was built on spiritual principles and universal values such as peace, human rights, human dignity and worth, justice, respect, good neighbourliness, freedom, respect for nature and shared responsibility.

TOS groups will therefore find that many UN designated International Days provide opportunities for promoting the theosophical principles underpinning TOS work as well as networking with similar community groups in supporting relevant UN activities.

October 4  -  World Habitat Day

The idea of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities and the basic right of all, to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.

The United Nations chose the theme Better City, Better Life to highlight our collective vision of a sustainable urban world that harnesses the potential and possibilities, mitigates inequalities and disparities, and provides a safe home for people of all cultures and ages, both rich and poor.

It is projected that in the next generation, 70 percent of humanity will be living in towns and cities. So this is the time for us to look closely at urban life and how we can ensure our wellbeing on all levels.

We could also use this day to focus on the issue of homelessness which is a reality in our cities. What can we do to help on both a long term and an immediate basis? Who could we work with?

For more information see the UN website: http://www.unhabitat.org/