UN: Nearly Three Billion People Worldwide Face Housing Shortages

The United Nations says nearly three billion people around the world currently lack adequate shelter, describing the situation as one of the most serious social and urban crises globally. According to the UN, more than 1.1 billion people are living in informal settlements, while over 300 million others are homeless. The figures indicate that pressure on housing systems in many countries has reached unprecedented levels. The United Nations warned that, amid growing risks linked to climate change and widening economic inequalities, the need for urgent and sustainable solutions to the global housing crisis has become more pressing than ever. According to the report, the World Urban Forum is being held to examine ways to create safe, sustainable and resilient cities and communities, with shelter identified as one of the key pillars of sustainable urban development. The forum will focus on issues including integrated urban planning, climate adaptation, land and property security, and strengthening local action. Its outcomes will also be reflected in the UN Secretary-General’s 2026 report on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda.