As cities grow both in size and population, people are being urged to seize the opportunity to start shaping them.

That’s the message of UN Habitat Executive Director Joan Clos on the first-ever World Cities Day observed on 31 October.

Under the slogan, “Better city, Better Life”, the city of Shanghai, China is hosting the celebrations.

The UN estimates that by 2030, close to 5 billion people will be living in urban areas, putting pressure on housing, services, resources and the environment.

On the line from Nairobi in Kenya, Mr Joan Clos told Jorge Miyares that the Day is well-timed.

Duration: 4'30"