World Habitat Day

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 !

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...

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

  Focus on Urban solutions to crises.

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

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

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