Human Settlements Programme’s Strategic Plan Reaffirms ‘Housing Is a Human Right, Public Good’, Says Secretary-General, in Message for UN-Habitat Assembly

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly, in Nairobi today:

Excellencies, dear friends, I am pleased to send my greetings to this second United Nations Habitat Assembly as you resume your session in Nairobi.

You gather as our world and cities face challenges on all fronts — accelerated by conflicts, the climate crisis, rising inequalities and growing geopolitical divides.

This Assembly is about coming together to help find solutions, adhering to shared values, and strengthening our work as the UN marks its eightieth anniversary.

You recognize a core truth:  We can’t build a liveable world if people don’t have a place to live.

Yet, 2.8 billion people around the world lack adequate shelter — stuck in informal settlements, slums or no home at all.

The Pact for the Future underscores the urgency — calling for universal access to adequate, safe and affordable housing.

The Strategic Plan that you are taking up in Nairobi reaffirms that housing is a human right.  It is a public good.  And it is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Your Strategic Plan offers a pathway to helping advance dignity, safety, opportunity.

I wish you every success.

Together, let’s keep working to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has a place to call home.

Thank you.