Muscat (Brussels Morning Newspaper) October 5, 2026 – Representatives from governments, civil society, and academia meeting in Muscat, Oman, called for urgent action to address a global housing crisis affecting nearly 3.4 billion people. Gathered to commemorate World Habitat Day, participants emphasized that adequate housing must be treated as a fundamental human right and a public priority rather than a luxury, highlighting that more than one billion people currently live in informal settlements and slums.
The discussions in Muscat opened a month-long campaign known as Urban October, which is organized by UN-Habitat and concludes on World Cities Day on 31 October. Officials at the event stressed that millions of individuals face severe vulnerabilities due to homelessness, inadequate infrastructure, and displacement caused by conflict, disasters, and climate change.
UN Officials Emphasize Housing As A Fundamental Human Right
Addressing the assembly, Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, underscored the essential nature of shelter in modern society.
“Adequate housing is not a luxury. It is a foundation for a dignified life and for sustainable cities,”
stated Ms Rossbach. She further stressed that housing needs to be treated as a public priority alongside land and basic services, underlining the need for greater investment in communities and cooperation across government, the private sector, and civil society.
In a separate message for the observance, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described adequate housing for all as the foundation of dignity, security, and opportunity. Mr Guterres noted that more than three billion people worldwide are currently denied this universal human right.
“Over one billion live in informal settlements and slums, and many more experience homelessness or have been displaced by conflict, disasters, and climate change,”
he added.
Impact Of Inadequate Shelter On Vulnerable Populations
The President of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, Nga Kor Ming, drew attention to the human cost behind global housing statistics. Mr Ming, who serves as Malaysia’s Minister of Housing and Local Government, highlighted the plight of families living in homes without legal protection, basic sanitation, or clean water, whose children frequently suffer from preventable diseases.
“A house without clean water, safety, or legal security is not a home. It is a poverty trap,”
Mr Ming stated in a video message delivered to the participants.
“Therefore, to deliver adequate housing for all, we must move away from quick fixes to systemic transformation.”
Defining Criteria For Adequate Living Conditions
Elaborating on international standards, Ms Rossbach explained that under the United Nations human rights framework, housing is considered adequate only when it satisfies seven distinct criteria. These requirements include the availability of essential services, habitability, affordability, correct location, and accessibility.
“Adequate housing means much more than a physical structure with four walls and a roof,”
Ms Rossbach explained. She noted that a family may possess a roof over their heads yet spend such a high proportion of their income on rent that insufficient funds remain for food, education, or healthcare. Similarly, a home might be deemed affordable while remaining located far from employment opportunities, schools, or public transport networks.
Secretary-General Calls For Systemic Financial Reforms
Mr Guterres highlighted the broader socio-economic benefits associated with proper shelter, maintaining that investing in adequate housing and transforming informal settlements reduces poverty, tackles inequality, builds climate resilience, and fosters peaceful and inclusive societies. He called for coordinated action by national and local governments, the establishment of stronger partnerships, and the improved utilization of data in decision-making processes.
Furthermore, the UN Secretary-General argued that the international financial architecture requires reform to properly mobilize the adequate, predictable, and affordable financing that developing countries need to invest in housing on a large scale. Concluding his message, Mr Guterres issued a direct appeal to the international community.
“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,”
he said.
Urban October Campaign And Ongoing Initiatives
World Habitat Day is observed annually on the first Monday of October, marking the official commencement of UN-Habitat’s Urban October campaign. The initiative serves to advocate for sustainable urban development and housing rights across the globe, bringing together international stakeholders to address urbanization challenges. Events and discussions throughout the month will continue to examine sustainable growth, infrastructure improvements, and policy frameworks designed to secure adequate shelter for populations in developing and developed nations alike.
