New York, Oct 04 (V7N) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for stronger global action to ensure adequate housing for all, describing housing as a foundation of dignity, security and opportunity.
In a message marking World Habitat Day, the UN chief said more than 3 billion people worldwide are denied adequate housing, while more than 1 billion live in informal settlements and slums.
Many others are experiencing homelessness or have been displaced by conflict, disasters and climate change, he said.
Guterres stressed that investing in adequate housing and transforming informal settlements can help reduce poverty, tackle inequality, strengthen climate resilience and foster peaceful and inclusive societies.
He called for coordinated action at every level, with national and local governments developing bold policies, building partnerships and using reliable data to guide decisions.
The UN chief also called for reform of the international financial architecture to mobilize adequate, predictable and affordable financing for developing countries so they can invest in housing on a larger scale.
“On this World Habitat Day, let us treat housing as a public good and build a world where everyone has a place to call home,” Guterres said.
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