World Habitat Day 2025, observed on the first Monday of October (6th October), carried the theme 'Urban Crisis Response', focusing on addressing urban challenges from climate change, conflicts, and inequality. The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1985.

India, with rapid urbanization and over 35% population living in cities, used the occasion to review progress under PMAY-Urban and the Smart Cities Mission. The theme is particularly relevant given increasing urban vulnerabilities to flooding, heat waves, and displacement, as demonstrated by recent events like the Darjeeling landslides.