The United Nations reaffirmed that adequate housing constitutes a fundamental human right for all people globally. Globally, an estimated 2.8 billion people currently face housing inadequacy.
Furthermore, 1.1 billion individuals reside in informal settlements and slums. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called upon national and local leaders to treat housing as a public good.
During international events and discussions held in Muscat, Oman, these concerns were raised. The UN chief stated that over one billion people inhabit informal settlements and slums, noting that many more suffer homelessness or displacement from conflict, disasters, and climate change.
Nga Kor Ming highlighted the difficult situation of families whose homes lack legal protection, or basic sanitation and clean water. Ming asserted that a dwelling lacking clean water, safety, or legal security does not constitute a home, but rather a poverty trap.
The UN Secretary-General urged that to deliver adequate housing for everyone, efforts must shift from quick fixes toward systemic transformation. Anacláudia Rossbach remarked that adequate housing means much more than merely a physical structure with four walls and a roof.
She added that adequate housing is not a luxury, but rather a foundation for a dignified life and for sustainable cities. Rossbach also stressed that housing needs to be treated as a public priority alongside land and basic services.
Moreover, investing in adequate housing and transforming informal settlements helps reduce poverty, tackles inequality, builds climate resilience, and fosters peaceful and inclusive societies. The UN Secretary-General called for coordinated action from both national and local governments.
Finally, the international financial architecture requires reform to mobilise financing that is predictable, affordable, and adequate for developing nations.
