UN Official Urges Immediate Action to Address Global Housing Crisis Affecting 3.4 Billion People
Muscat, October 5 (KUNA) -- Claudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), stressed the urgent need to take action to address a global housing crisis affecting nearly 3.4 billion people, a problem exacerbated by conflicts, disasters, climate change, and economic difficulties that cause millions to be displaced annually.
Speaking at an event held in Muscat on Monday to mark World Habitat Day 2026, organized by UN-Habitat in cooperation with Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning under the theme “Housing for All,” Rossbach emphasized that housing must be treated as a “public priority equal in importance to land and basic services,” calling for increased investment in communities and enhanced cooperation among various levels of government, the private sector, and civil society.
She added that “adequate housing is not a luxury, but a fundamental pillar of a decent life and sustainable cities,” noting that this universal human right remains out of reach for many around the world, particularly for over 1.1 billion people living in slums and informal settlements.
In this context, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated in a message broadcast during the event that adequate housing is “the foundation of dignity, security, and opportunity,” calling for coordinated action between national and local governments, stronger partnerships, improved use of data, and financing that enables developing countries to invest broadly in the housing sector. He added that investing in adequate housing and upgrading informal settlements helps reduce poverty, address inequality, build resilience to climate change, and foster peaceful and inclusive communities, urging that housing be treated as a public good and that we build “a world where everyone finds a place they consider home.”
The event, hosted at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat, brought together more than 500 government officials, city leaders, urban planning experts, and representatives from civil society and the private sector to discuss ways to make housing accessible and affordable while strengthening cities and communities.
Held concurrently with the Oman Build, Home and Construction Exhibition and Conference 2026, the global event featured a ministerial session that gathered ministers and deputy ministers from Arab and regional countries, highlighting national approaches and priorities for addressing housing challenges in diverse contexts. The activities also included a dialogue involving representatives of national and local governments, international organizations, and academia to explore practical ways to enhance the provision of adequate housing for all.
Oman’s Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, Dr. Khalifan Al-Shuaili, expressed his country’s pride in hosting this year’s World Habitat Day celebrations during a joint press conference with the UN official, reaffirming the Sultanate’s support for calls to prioritize the housing sector and sustainable urban development.
Earlier today, the Oman Build, Home and Construction Exhibition and Conference 2026 kicked off and will run until the 8th of the month, featuring the signing of 20 agreements covering tenders for residential, service, and tourism projects in various initiatives within the Sultanate of Oman.
World Habitat Day, designated by the United Nations to fall on the first Monday of October, marks the launch of “Urban October,” a month-long campaign that brings together events and activities worldwide to promote dialogue and action on adequate housing and sustainable urban development. These activities culminate in the celebration of World Cities Day on October 31. (End) M.J.B. / M.A.H.A.
