Global Housing Crisis Deepens as 3 Billion Lack Adequate Shelter
Global housing challenges took centre stage at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) as officials and experts examined the worsening crisis. Conflicts, climate disasters, and economic instability have left nearly three billion people without adequate shelter. The discussions highlighted urgent needs in regions from the Middle East to Asia-Pacific, where displacement and evictions continue to rise. The forum’s first session focused on housing recovery in crisis-hit areas. Topics included reconstruction, land rights, financing, and community-driven efforts. Experts stressed that long-term solutions must prioritise people in cities, with coordinated support from international partners.
In Palestine, the scale of destruction is severe, with 372,000 homes demolished or damaged by conflict. Rebuilding efforts there demand significant international aid. Meanwhile, in Nepal, vulnerable communities in Kathmandu face growing threats of displacement and forced evictions. Azerbaijan shared progress in resettling around 13,700 people in its liberated territories. Plans are underway to relocate another 30,000 by 2023. Yet rising construction costs, urban pressure, and climate risks add to the strain across Africa, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific. Participants agreed that wars, instability, and economic shocks disrupt housing systems far beyond the countries directly affected. The crisis now requires unified action to strengthen urban resilience and protect displaced populations.
The forum underscored the need for sustainable, people-centred housing solutions. With over 300 million still homeless worldwide, the discussions pointed to a clear demand for long-term strategies. Governments and aid organisations must now translate these insights into concrete recovery plans.
