World Habitat Day

The second session of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All Watch the PM - Plenary OEWG-H2! Meetings & Events

The second session of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All. Watch the AM Plenary- OEWG-H2! Meetings & Events

The second session of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All. Watch PM - Plenary OEWG-H2! Meetings & Events

The second session of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All. The Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme will hold its second session (OEWG-H2) from 22 to 23 October 2025. The session will be held at the UN-Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Watch the AM Plenary- OEWG-H2 Meetings & Events

 On 8 October 2025 (10 a.m.– 6 p.m.), a meeting of UNECE member States' ministers will address urgent challenges and strategic priorities of housing affordability and sustainability Ten years after the adoption of the Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing, ministers will be invited to share their countries' experience on major housing affordability and sustainability-related challenges and present key actions and strategic solutions for addressing them. As the key outcome of the meeting, ministers will be invited to agree on commitments towards sustainable and affordable housing. Related Sites and Documents: Learn More . Watch the 2nd Meeting, 86th Session of Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land Managemen! Meetings & Events

On 8 October 2025 (10 a.m.– 6 p.m.), a meeting of UNECE member States' ministers will address urgent challenges and strategic priorities of housing affordability and sustainability. Ten years after the adoption of the Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing, ministers will be invited to share their countries' experience on major housing affordability and sustainability-related challenges and present key actions and strategic solutions for addressing them. As the key outcome of the meeting, ministers will be invited to agree on commitments towards sustainable and affordable housing. Related Documents:  Learn More . Watch the 1st Meeting, 86th Session of Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land! Management Meetings & Events

UNECE Press conference on Ministerial Meeting on Housing Affordability and Sustainablility. On 8 October 2025, UNECE member States' ministers will meet to focus on the urgent challenges and strategic priorities surrounding housing affordability and sustainability in the UNECE region. Ten years after the adoption of the Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing, ministers will highlight challenges and key priorities for the achievement of the Charter's objectives, and present good practice and strategic solutions in this regard. As the key outcome of the meeting, ministers will be invited to agree on practical commitments towards sustainable and affordable housing. The meeting will take place as part of the eighty-sixth session of the UNECE Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land Management (8–10 October 2025). Speakers: Tatiana Molcean, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, UNECE Executive Secretary Martin Tschirren, State Secretary, Director general of the Federa...

The 5th meeting of the Forum of Mayors will be held in-person at the Palais des Nations, in Geneva, on 6-7 October 2025. Mayors from around the world will come together to collaboratively draft an outcome document, emphasizing the critical role of cities and local actors in shaping a sustainable future. Watch the 4th Session, Forum of Mayors 2025! Meetings & Events

The 5th meeting of the Forum of Mayors will be held in-person at the Palais des Nations, in Geneva, on 6-7 October 2025. Mayors from around the world will come together to collaboratively draft an outcome document, emphasizing the critical role of cities and local actors in shaping a sustainable future. The meeting will align with the 2025 session of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (New York, 14-23 July 2025), addressing themes such as good health and well-being (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). It will also focus on climate finance mechanisms and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), and housing challenges. Participating mayors will also be able to convey a message to the ministerial meeting on housing to be held on 8 October 2025, during the 86th session of the UNECE Committee on Sustainable Development, Housing and Land Management (Geneva, 8-10 October 2025). Related Sites and Documents:  Learn More . Watch 3rd Session...

Urban crisis response in a changing climate, the power of collective action in Tunisia, North Africa. Empowering communities: Integrated approaches for durable solutions supporting displaced people and displacement affected communities in Afghanistan  in Afghanistan, Central Asia. Building resilient cities in times of crisis: Urban solutions for climate impacts in Lao PDR in Lao People's Democratic Republic,Asia. Urban October: Celebrating Shelter, Indigenous Identity, and Global Solidarity  in Surigao City, Philippines; Asia. Supporting safe and resilient urban settlements in Sri Lanka , Asia. Community-Led Housing, Land and Property (HLP) Rights Documentation in Yemen's Recovery Process  in Aden, Yemen, Middle East. Building inclusive cities through durable solutions  in Colombia, Bogotá, Americas. Get the World Habitat Day Concept Note in  English | Arabic | Chinese | Russian | Spanish !

  Each October, everyone interested in sustainable urbanization from national and local governments to universities, NGOs and communities is encouraged to hold or participate in activities, events, and discussions to mark the Urban October . Get the Urban October 2025 Toolkit!

Director General of the United Nations Offices in Nairobi, Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura; The Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach; Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a profound honour for me, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya, to welcome you all to the Global Observance of World Habitat Day 2025. It is a source of immense pride that we host this crucial event here at the UN−Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi, our capital city. Your presence is a powerful testament to our shared resolve to confront the challenges of urbanization and to kick off Urban October, a month dedicated to advocacy and action for sustainable urbanization. Allow me to express my gratitude to the Executive Director, the Secretariat, and all the teams for their tireless efforts in preparing for this important observance. I also wish to acknowledge the dedication of all Member States, partners, and stakeholders who have travelled from near and...

Every crisis has a human face. A family forced to flee their home. A child studying in a refugee camp. A community living without water or electricity. Today, crises are unfolding in our cities. Conflict, instability, and climate change are pushing millions into displacement. In 2024, a record 123 million people were forced from their homes – most of them seeking safety in cities that are already under strain. At the same time, nearly 3 billion people suffer from inadequate housing, and more than 1.1 billion live in informal settlements and slums. But crisis does not have to mean despair. At UN-Habitat, we have seen communities rise again when housing, land, and basic services are prioritized. In Iraq, displaced families have regained homes and stability. In Somalia, improved access to land has brought hope to the marginalized. In Lebanon, inclusive upgrading has turned divided neighbourhoods into united communities. These stories remind us that rebuilding homes is about more than bric...

In our rapidly urbanising world, cities often shoulder the impacts of today’s crises. Conflict, political instability, and the climate emergency have forced 123 million people from their homes – most seeking safety in cities and towns already under pressure. About one in eight people live in informal settlements, and more than 300 million have no home at all. Health services, water systems, and transport networks are stretched, while the risks of new disasters loom. Yet cities are where solutions can take root and grow. When we plan for inclusion, newcomers help to drive economies, strengthen communities, and enrich culture. On this World Habitat Day, we shine a light on solutions, from better housing, to land rights, to water and sanitation. We recognise the vital leadership of mayors and local governments, and the resilience of urban communities –– especially women and youth. Most of all, we seek to share the innovations that help guarantee access for the most vulnerable –– including...

The 5th meeting of the Forum of Mayors will be held in-person at the Palais des Nations, in Geneva, on 6-7 October 2025. Mayors from around the world will come together to collaboratively draft an outcome document, emphasizing the critical role of cities and local actors in shaping a sustainable future. The meeting will align with the 2025 session of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (New York, 14-23 July 2025), addressing themes such as good health and well-being (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). It will also focus on climate finance mechanisms and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), and housing challenges. Participating mayors will also be able to convey a message to the ministerial meeting on housing to be held on 8 October 2025, during the 86th session of the UNECE Committee on Sustainable Development, Housing and Land Management (Geneva, 8-10 October 2025). Related Sites and Documents:  Learn More . Watch the 2nd S...

World Habitat Day is marked on the first Monday of October each year and is recognized by the United Nations to reflect on the state of towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter . The day is also intended to remind the world that everyone has the power and the responsibility to shape the future of towns and cities

The 5th meeting of the Forum of Mayors will be held in-person at the Palais des Nations, in Geneva, on 6-7 October 2025. Mayors from around the world will come together to collaboratively draft an outcome document, emphasizing the critical role of cities and local actors in shaping a sustainable future. The meeting will align with the 2025 session of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (New York, 14-23 July 2025), addressing themes such as good health and well-being (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). It will also focus on climate finance mechanisms and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), and housing challenges. Participating mayors will also be able to convey a message to the ministerial meeting on housing to be held on 8 October 2025, during the 86th session of the UNECE Committee on Sustainable Development, Housing and Land Management (Geneva, 8-10 October 2025). Related Sites and Documents:  Learn More . Watch the 1st S...

World Habitat Day is marked on the first Monday of October each year and is recognized by the United Nations to reflect on the state of towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter . On 6 October 2025, the Global Observance of World Habitat Day will be linked to, urban crisis response. The theme will focus on addressing multiple crises affecting urban areas, including climate and conflicts that are contributing to inequality, and promote existing tools and approaches to effective crisis response. Related Sites and Documents:  Website  &  Concept Note . Watch the World Habitat Day 2025! Meetings & Events

  On 6 October 2025, the Global Observance of World Habitat Day will be linked to, urban crisis response. The theme will focus on addressing multiple crises affecting urban areas, including climate and conflicts that are contributing to inequality, and promote existing tools and approaches to effective crisis response. Global Observance at the  United Nations Office in Nairobi, Kenya.

 The  UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour award  is one of the highlights of the  World Habitat Day global observance . The award , a plaque engraved with the name of the winner, is presented to the selected winners during the global observance. 2025 Winners. Public Works Studio from Beirut , Lebanon. For its pioneering commitment to spatial justice and housing rights demonstrated by its innovative “Housing Monitor” initiative empowering vulnerable communities. Ms. Clara Marina Brugada Molina , Mexico. For her visionary, participatory approach to urban regeneration and social justice exemplified by her “UTOPIAS” model of inclusive community spaces. Mr. Israel Smart from Jos Plateau , Nigeria. For his transformative “Hydroponic Farm-in- a-Box” innovation, which exemplifies an inclusive, circular, and climate-smart approach to sustainable urban food systems and resilient community livelihoods. Just a Change from Lisboa , Portugal. For combating housing poverty illustrated by i...

  Focus on Urban solutions to crises.

  Every crisis has a human face — families displaced, children learning in refugee camps, and communities living without basic services. In 2024 alone, a record 123 million people were forced from their homes, most of them seeking safety in already strained cities. At the same time, nearly 3 billion people lack adequate housing, with over 1.1 billion living in informal settlements and slums. But crisis does not have to mean despair. Around the world, UN-Habitat has seen how prioritizing housing, land, and basic services restores stability, dignity, and hope. From Iraq to Somalia to Lebanon, communities are rebuilding and finding resilience in the face of adversity. On this World Habitat Day, UN-Habitat calls on governments, partners, and communities everywhere to put housing at the heart of crisis response and invest in cities as places of safety, opportunity, and resilience for all. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach .

  President of the UN Habitat assembly Y.B. Nga Kor Ming address on World Habitat Day 2025.

  UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen remarks on World Habitat Day 2025; October 6th.

  The  UNHCR High Commisioner Filipo Grandhi address on World Habitat Day 2025; October 6th.

  = Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons address on World Habitat Day 2025.

  Governor of Gangwon State Korea Kim Jin-tae address on World Habitat Day 2025 .

   October 6th,  World Habitat Day 2025  global event Registration is now open.

Register to participate to the global celebration of the  World Habitat Day  in Nairobi, Kenya on October 6th, 2025!