Nairobi: UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, is calling for action to make housing a solution in crisis recovery as they convened the global observance of World Habitat Day 2025 at its headquarters, in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday.
According to Kenya News Agency, World Habitat Day, mandated by the UN General Assembly and observed annually on the first Monday of October, provides an opportunity to reflect on the state of human settlements and reaffirm the right to adequate shelter. This year’s theme ‘Urban Crisis Response’ underscores the urgent need to address multiple and intersecting urban challenges, including forced displacement, climate-related shocks, and inadequate access to housing, land, and basic services.
More than 260 participants from 48 countries joined the Day’s events, including 138 in Nairobi and others online. Globally, World Habitat Day celebrations were organized across 28 cities in 28 countries. By highlighting sustainable and scalable approaches, the Day now also serves as a platform to accelerate progress toward the implementation of the new urban Agenda and the achievement of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, in particular Sustainable Development Goal 11 on inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
With 2 in 3 people expected to live in urban areas by 2050, cities must be at the center of climate action efforts. From driving less to recycling and reducing food wastes, we can all take action now to protect our planet. Inadequate homes fuel gender-based violence, school dropout rates, public health crises, and even urban climate emissions.
United Nations Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres in his official message drew attention to the impacts of global crises on cities and towns already under strain. ‘In our rapidly urbanizing world, cities often shoulder the impacts of today’s crises. 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,’ said Guterres.
UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacl¡udia Rossbach stressed the centrality of housing in crisis response and recovery while calling upon governments and all of us to put housing at the heart of crisis response, because when we rebuild homes, we build hope. ‘Every crisis has a human face. Let us put housing at the heart of crisis response globally. Let us invest in cities as places of safety, opportunity, and resilience for all.’ She said that secure, inclusive housing unlocks opportunity and protects the most vulnerable.
Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to sustainable urbanization and support for UN-Habitat’s mission noting that Kenya remains steadfast in its support for UN-Habitat’s mandate and vision, as the proud host of this vital agency. ‘This year’s theme, Urban Crisis Response, with its specific focus on urban displacement, is incredibly timely,’ she said, adding that as a nation that has long demonstrated leadership and compassion in dealing with displacement, we are acutely aware of the complex challenges this crisis presents.
This year’s celebration’s observance will contribute to ongoing international processes, including the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum, in Baku, Azerbaijan, in May 2026, under the theme ‘Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities’. The 2025 Global Observance programme included a high-level opening ceremony, the presentation of four UN-Habitat Scroll of Honor awards and one special citation, as well as a multi-stakeholder panel on urban crisis response with participation from governments, local authorities, and international and non-governmental organizations.