The United Nations calls for urgent action to solve a global crisis – 2.8 billion people lacking appropriate housing

Nearly 1,200 delegates met at the United Nations Office in Nairobi to discuss the crisis, with a final goal of adopting the new strategic plan for the United Nations Happels for the period 2026-2029.

At the heart of this plan, a clear and specific agenda to advance decent housing, ensure land possession, and provide basic services – especially in random settlements and deprived societies – as a way to achieve peace, the ability to adapt to climate change, and comprehensive prosperity.

In her opening speech before the association, the Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Program, Ancloudia Rosbach, called for a coordinated global action based on human rights, dignity and multilateral solidarity.

She said: “Without taking measures, this crisis will continue to undermine the efforts made to reduce poverty, enhance equality, and achieve Sustainable development goals“.

Mrs. Rosbach added that the strategic plan represents “A turning point towards the future”, And that its approach is very important “At a time when our cities bear the burden of multiple and intertwined crises, from conflict and displacement to the escalating effects of climate change.”

She emphasized that the plan also focuses strongly on partnerships and alliances, which the program has already expanded with its partners and sisterly agencies. She added that the program also deepens its cooperation with international financial institutions and cities “To enhance the implementation of the main priorities at the non -national level.”

UN support for the plan

In a video message addressed to the association, the Secretary -General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, said: “We cannot build a world of living if people do not have a place where they live.” He added that the strategic plan discussed in Nairobi reaffirms that housing is a human right, describing it as the general benefit that provides a way “To contribute to strengthening dignity, safety and opportunities.”

For its part, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program Inger Andersen indicated that with the aggravation of climate change, “more city residents will be exposed to severe temperatures, water scarcity and high sea level, unless we do anything.”

She emphasized that the international community is able to work together to support cities “In its endeavor to become more suitable for living and more sustainable, and to be the focus of work in the face of Triple planet crisis“.

The President of the United Nations General Assembly, Filmoun Yang, sent a video message to the appealed session, in which he called for “Transforming challenges into opportunities, and building cities that make up engines for prosperity, flexibility and fairness for future generations.”

He stressed the necessity of concerted efforts of governments, civil society, the private sector and local communities “To ensure that no one is left behind in the cities and settlements of today and tomorrow.”

It should be noted that the appealed session of the United Nations Hope Association is concluded today, Friday, and a final decision is expected to be issued regarding the new strategic plan at the end.