40 days safer cities challenge

The 40 Days Safer Cities Challenge is an annual international campaign that starts on 21 September, the International Day of Peace, and runs until 31 October which is World Cities Day. Promoted by the Global Network on Safer Cities (GNSC), the Challenge will raise awareness worldwide on safety in cities and urban crime prevention and promote concrete actions by citizens. It also aims to encourage innovations for achieving the urban and safety dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.  

The 40 Days Safer Cities Challenge is a direct follow-up to the adoption by Member States of the UN systemwide Guidelines on Safer Cities and Human Settlements at the first UN-Habitat Assembly in May 2019. The Safer Cities Challenge coincides with Urban October, a month to raise awareness on issues and opportunities of urbanization.

During these 40 days, UN-Habitat and the partners of the Global Network for Safer Cities will mobilise individuals and organizations around the world to showcase innovative solutions to address the challenges of urban crime and violence in communities.

This year the challenge will focus on the increasing inequalities and social challenges which have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about the 40 days safer cities challenge

Join the campaign with your city