The United Nations has called for collective action to strengthen urban resilience and ensure inclusive cities in the face of global challenges such as conflict, displacement, and climate change.
The call was made on Monday during the commemoration of the 2025 World Habitat Day at the UN Office in Nairobi, Kenya, which was monitored virtually by reporters.
The day, marked annually on the first Monday of October, brings together stakeholders to reflect on the state of towns and cities and to reaffirm the right of all people to adequate shelter.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a message delivered by Mr. Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, said cities bear the brunt of today’s crises and emergencies.
He noted that conflict, political instability, and the climate emergency have displaced about 123 million people, most of whom seek refuge in cities and towns already under severe pressure.
“About one in eight people live in informal settlements, and more than 300 million have no home at all,” Guterres said.
He added that health services, water systems, and transport networks are overstretched, while the risk of new disasters continues to grow.
The UN chief, however, said cities are also where solutions can take root — driving inclusion, economic growth, and cultural enrichment.
He commended the leadership of mayors, local governments, and the resilience of women, youth, and urban communities in addressing challenges.
“A city is more than bricks and mortar; it is the promise of home. Let’s build stronger cities that ensure safety and belonging for all,” he said.
Echoing the Secretary-General’s message, Kor Ming, Malaysia’s Minister of Housing and Local Government and President of the UN-Habitat Assembly, said crises present opportunities to build back better and stronger.
He noted that with over 120 active conflicts globally, there is an urgent need to redouble efforts toward equitable and sustainable development as a safeguard against instability.
Citing UN data, he said 182 million people have been displaced by conflict and political unrest, with 60 per cent seeking refuge in cities — a trend that is placing immense pressure on local governments and urban systems.
“I call on member states to enhance cooperation to equip city mayors and local leaders with the tools needed to ensure that no one and no place is left behind,” Kor Ming said.
He also appealed for continued support to UN-Habitat, stressing that sustainable cities cannot exist without decent housing for all.
Similarly, Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, said disasters destroy or damage more than 92,000 essential facilities and cause about 1.6 million service disruptions globally each year.
“The global housing crisis now affects nearly three billion people, with over one billion living in slums and informal settlements, and more than 300 million experiencing homelessness,” Rossbach said.
She warned that without proactive urban planning, the crisis would worsen as displaced populations continue to rise.
“We must place housing, land, and basic services at the centre of solutions for urban crises and displacement. Humanitarian aid alone is not enough — people want to regain their homes as quickly as possible,” she said.
Rossbach described local governments as “firefighters” on the frontlines of urban crises and champions of long-term resilience and rebuilding.
She added that strengthening local governance and linking humanitarian and development responses are central to UN-Habitat’s 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, which identifies crisis response as one of its three key impact areas.
At the event, the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honor Award was presented to recipients from Nigeria, Lebanon, Portugal, and Mexico, in recognition of outstanding contributions to urban development, including shelter provision and leadership in post-conflict reconstruction.
