UN Secretary-General's message on World Habitat Day
New York, 4 October 2010


联合国秘书长潘基文2010年世界人居日致辞
2010年10月4日


As our world grows predominantly urban, World Habitat Day provides an annual opportunity to reflect on how we can make our towns and cities better places for all. With the theme “Better City, Better Life”, this year's observance highlights the actions and policies that can improve well-being for the billion people who live in slums and other sub-standard housing around the world.


随着我们的世界日益以城市为主导，一年一度的世界人居日使我们有机会思考如何为我们大家改善我们的城镇城市，今年的纪念活动以“城市，让生活更美好”为主题，突出强调了可以改善世界各地生活在贫民窟和其他不合标准房屋中十亿人福祉的行动和政策。


Typically living in developing countries, and largely powerless, disenfranchised and under the age of 25, the urban poor are too often condemned to a life without basic rights, hope of an education or decent work. Lacking adequate provision of fresh water, electricity, sanitation or health care, they suffer privations that all too often provide the tinder for the fires of social unrest. Vulnerable to exploitation and corruption, they need and deserve better cities and a better life.


城市贫民通常生活在发展中国家，一般都缺乏力量，无权无势，年龄在25岁以下。他们往往注定要过上一种没有基本权利、受教育的希望或体面工作的生活。他们无法获得足够的淡水、电力、卫生和保健，他们所受的困苦常常成为社会动乱的火种。他们很容易遭受剥削和腐败之害，他们需要而且应当在更好的城市中过上更好的生活。


The challenges of urban poverty – from pollution to criminal gang culture – are not insurmountable. Many cities are finding successful solutions. Smart cities recognize the importance of good governance, basic urban services for all, and streets and public spaces where women and children feel safe. They also recognize that better cities can help to mitigate global challenges, such as climate change, by promoting energy conservation and environmental sustainability.


从污染到犯罪团伙文化，城市贫困的问题并非无法解决。许多城市正在找到成功的解决方案。精明的城市认识到必须建立良政，必须为所有人提供基本的城市服务，必须有让妇女儿童感到安全的街道及公共空间。这些城市还认识到，城市的改善可以帮助缓解全球性的问题，例如通过促进节能和环境可持续性应对气候变化。


Creating better cities demands the combined efforts of national and local governments, civil society and the private sector, supported by the best efforts of the United Nations system. On World Habitat Day, let us pledge to join hands to make better cities for a better future for all.


创造更好的城市需要国家及地方政府、民间社会和私营部门齐心协力以及联合国系统最努力的支持。在世界人居日到来之际，让我们保证携起手来，为所有人更美的好未来建设更美好的城市。