Tunis - October 29, 2025 - On the Occasion of World Cities Day
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Tunisia, the Institute for Research and Development (IRD), and the French Development Agency (AFD) will organize a day of exchange and celebration under the theme "Living in the City, Acting on the City" on October 31, 2025, from 11 am to 10 pm at the French Institute of Tunis. This event is part of the Urban October initiative, a global movement led by UN-Habitat to promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development.
Following the Inaugural Day
An exhibition will be open to the public from November 1 to 12, 2025, at the French Institute of Tunisia.
Gathering a Wide Range of Participants
This day will bring together a diverse group of participants, including representatives of public institutions, researchers, local authorities, associations, urban planners, and students, to discuss the challenges of sustainability and adaptation in Tunisian and Mediterranean cities. The program will combine thematic round tables, immersive exhibitions, and artistic performances to explore together the paths to more sustainable and participatory urban planning.
The 11th Sustainable Development Goal
"Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable" is the 11th of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly. The theme "Sustainable Cities and Communities," corresponding to this 11th goal, is at the heart of World Cities Day, celebrated every year on October 31 around the world. This day highlights innovative and collaborative initiatives that contribute to addressing the challenges of contemporary cities, where issues of housing, employment, mobility, access to services, culture, and environmental quality are rethought in an inclusive and sustainable perspective.
Celebrating World Cities Day in Tunisia
This year in Tunisia, UN-Habitat, IRD, AFD, and the French Institute of Tunisia are joining forces to celebrate this day dedicated to the Tunisian city, where more than 7.4 million people live.
Thinking, Living, and Acting on the City
Round Tables to Rethink the City
Thematic round tables bringing together public actors, experts, researchers, associations, students, and institutional partners will offer a space for exchange and open dialogue on the challenges and concrete solutions for more sustainable, resilient, and solidarity-based Tunisian cities. They will address four structuring themes for urban development in Tunisia: (i) managing water and sanitation, (ii) integrating risks into planning, (iii) thinking about heritage, and (iv) planning inclusively.
An Immersive Exhibition on the Tunisian City
An exhibition under the sign of co-design and dialogue between different actors will highlight concrete initiatives undertaken to address the major challenges of the contemporary Tunisian city. "Living in the city, acting on the city in Tunisia" is the result of collaborative work combining scientific research, development actions, analysis, diagnosis, and concrete operations.
The Exhibition's Structure
The exhibition will be divided into two main sequences: "Living in the city" will highlight the daily life of city dwellers, their needs, practices, commitment, and creativity. "Acting in the city" will show innovative programs carried by partner institutions to build more inclusive and sustainable cities. As a transition, the exhibition will emphasize collaborative workshops and living laboratory projects as vectors of solutions to the challenges of today's city, in order to better think about the city of tomorrow.
A Theatrical Performance
A theatrical performance will bring urban issues to life through the reading and staging of original texts on the Tunisian city.
Rapid Urban Growth in Tunisia
In Tunisia, rapid urban growth, particularly concentrated on the coast, poses major challenges: land pressure, waste management, access to water, heritage conservation, and vulnerability to climate change. These challenges require urban policies based on knowledge, cooperation, and innovation. The celebration of World Cities Day aims to strengthen this dynamic, by promoting dialogue between local and international actors engaged in the implementation of SDG 11.
The Role of UN-Habitat
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) supports governments and local authorities in sustainable urban planning, climate resilience, and social inclusion. In Tunisia, UN-Habitat works to network urban actors, valorize local solutions, and raise citizens' awareness of environmental issues.
The Role of IRD
The Institute for Research and Development (IRD) supports research programs and actions for valorization and training carried out in partnership with Tunisian scientific and operational institutions, in order to respond to the challenges of sustainable development, mobilizing all the diversity of disciplines, in various fields (city, water and sanitation, agrosystems, coastal erosion, living conditions, social practices, biotechnologies, health, etc.). Mr. Gilles Pecassou, Deputy General Director of IRD, will specially come to Tunis on the occasion of this day to show the institute's commitment to its Tunisian partners.
The Role of AFD
The French Development Agency (AFD), alongside the Tunisian state and local authorities, has been supporting projects that aim to reinvent the city since 1992. AFD works to strengthen the attractiveness and quality of life in popular neighborhoods and old centers and to support local authorities in their local development strategy.
Invitation to Reflect on Collaboration and Dialogue
Through this day designed and organized for all inhabitants, UN-Habitat in Tunisia, IRD, and AFD invite you to reflect on the importance of collaboration, participatory work, and dialogue, essential conditions for the transition to sustainable urban solutions.
Ambition for an Annual Event
The organizing institutions aim to make this initiative an annual meeting, contributing to the dissemination of good practices, recognizing Tunisian experiences and expertise, and consolidating the alliance for more green, inclusive, and resilient Tunisian cities.
For More Information
Please contact:
- UN-Habitat Tunisia: asma.shili@un.org | Mobile: +216 22976374
- IRD: presse@ird.fr; sarakanzari1@gmail.com | Tel: +216 70 016 230
- AFD: afdtunis@afd.fr | Tel: +216 71 861 799
