Affordable housing isn’t about charity. It’s not even about economics. Housing is: - healthcare - education - climate policy - economic policy Housing is everything policy. A home shouldn’t be a privilege. It's something we all need to thrive. Get housing right and everything else gets easier.

For centuries, we’ve known how to cool buildings without machines. We just forgot. Many people think jail screens are decorative, but they’re so much more.  By breaking up sunlight and guiding airflow, they cool spaces passively, quietly, and endlessly. No compressors. No refrigerants.

Communities possess fine-grained, lived knowledge about their environment: flood patterns, informal infrastructure, social networks, and risks. Jini Agrawal, country manager in Nepal for Miyamoto, on why co-creation with local communities is key to their post-disaster reconstruction work.

There’s a peculiar kind of ignorance in modern architecture. We build glass boxes that trap heat like a greenhouse (and are incredibly cold in winter!)… then congratulate ourselves for installing ever more powerful air conditioning to survive inside them.

🏠 Introducing Dialogue 2 at #WUF13: “The social and economic power of housing” Housing accounts for 13% of the global economy and supporting millions of livelihoods worldwide. 👉 Join us at the World Urban Forum to discuss solutions to the largest urban challenges: wuf.unhabitat.org/wuf13

The 15-minute city is being sold as a convenience. Perhaps that's a mistake? Much of the discourse around 15-minute cities focuses on walkability, cafés, bike lanes, and lifestyle optimisation - essentially, making urban life nicer for people who already have choices.

None of the 2 billion tonnes of waste each year our cities generate each year are accidental (a figure expected to grow by 70% by 2050).

When cities heat up, shade becomes one of the most critical - yet unequal - resources we have. The amount of available shade reveals deep inequalities in our urban landscapes: 🔥 Heat burden follows income lines 👷‍♂️ Outdoor workers bear the brunt 👩‍👧 Vulnerable populations suffer most

🏠 Introducing Dialogue 1 at #WUF13: The global housing crisis: what is the plan? Across the world, 2.8 billion people still lack access to adequate housing. Addressing this crisis requires bold ideas, coordinated action and global dialogue.

Modern architecture has a rather curious flaw: it assumes that intelligence must be added, rather than inherited. For thousands of years, humans built homes that worked with physics:

Cities are going digital. But who benefits? Digital technology is transforming how cities are designed, planned, and governed and the opportunity to leverage this is growing. But technology must be used to close gaps, not widen them.

Even wars have rules, and these rules must be respected. UN chiefs warn of sustained violations of international humanitarian law across the Middle East, with civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian workers under attack. All parties must protect civilians, respect humanitarian personn

When we think about making cities inclusive, public toilets rarely top the list. Yet these essential facilities are perhaps one of the most fundamental – and often overlooked – infrastructure investments cities can make. Featuring architect and urbanist Safaa Charafi.

🌍 In 2025, a record 117 million people were displaced, placing immense strain on housing, services, and livelihoods in cities across the globe. With 60% of displaced individuals seeking refuge in urban areas, the need for solutions is vital now more than ever.

The 15-minute city is a transformative approach to how we live, work, and thrive in our communities: ✅ Proximity-focused design ✅ Equitable resource distribution ✅ Sustainable urban regeneration ✅ People-centered approach. It enables resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments.

Cities are on the frontlines of crisis – but are they equipped to respond? 🏙️

As Africa’s cities continue to expand, the need for safe, affordable, and sustainable housing is becoming more urgent. In response to this growing challenge, #Kenya will host the #AUF2 in Nairobi from 8–10 April 2026 under the theme: “Adequate Housing for All. lnkd.in/da2yBJ9u

With the world facing unprecedented challenges that is forcing millions from their homes, the path forward demands a pivot: ✅ Development- and government-led solutions ✅ Housing, land, and basic services at the centre of crisis response ✅ People-centred smart cities

On the occasion of Easter, UN-Habitat extends warm greetings to all those celebrating. The observance of this season of renewal around the world reminds us of the values of compassion, solidarity, and reconciliation that sustain thriving communities. #HappyEaster #Peace #Solidarity

🚨 Good news! Urban Expo applications are now open until 𝟭𝟬 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 The Urban Expo at #WUF13 is where bold solutions, innovation and partnerships come to life, bringing together actors from across the globe. 🌍 Be part of the main space to showcase, connect and inspire housing solutions. 🔗 Apply here

Nor has anyone ever visited a city to marvel at its overflowing cement structures. Cities thrive with green, inclusive public spaces. We're much better off understanding it as a core urban infrastructure for healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive cities.

To build true homes, we must weave the narrative of the community into the buildings. - Preserve the intangible: sounds, smells & stories. - Celebrate the local: local materials, local artisans & local history. - Invite the community: let them co-create the murals, the gardens, the festivals.

🌍 Is your city leading the way in sustainable urban development? Now’s your chance to gain global recognition through the #ShanghaiAward (4th cycle), a global initiative led by UN-Habitat and Chinese partners. 🔗 Apply now at www.shanghaiaward.org#ShanghaiAward 📅 Deadline: 12 June 2026

Designing cities for women = better cities for all. Wider pavements, safer streets, accessible transport benefit everyone. Yet women still face greater risks and barriers in cities. Inclusive planning means safer, fairer, more resilient cities for all. Featuring urbanist & architect Safaa Charafi

🚨 Last chance. Applications close today! 💡 Take your ideas to the global stage at the Urban Expo of #WUF13 🌍 👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase, connect and inspire action to shape the future of cities: wuf.unhabitat.org/urban-expo#WUF13 📅 Deadline: 31 March 2026

Millions of families worldwide struggle with housing costs, using up money that should be for food, education, and healthcare. Fear of eviction, limited access to loans, and living far from jobs and services are other rising issues. But the solutions are already here: (1/2)

Ahead of the International Day of Zero Waste the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste with support from UN-Habitat and UN Environment Programme (UNEP) named the inaugural 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste. Learn more: unhabitat.org/news/27-mar-...

On #ZeroWasteDay, Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, emphasizes that zero waste is not an isolated goal, but part of how we plan and manage cities. When cities put people at the center — prioritizing safe homes, and basic services — waste can be significantly reduced.

During the first consultation on the New Urban Agenda, participants highlighted rising housing costs, growing climate risks, unequal access to basic services and the need to make urban development more inclusive ⏭️ Next stop: #WUF13 in 50 days! wuf.unhabitat.org/wuf13 wuf.unhabitat.org/wuf13

What have we learned—and what comes next for the New Urban Agenda? ​Join the final webinar of the #NUALearningSeries: “Our New Urban Agenda: Shared Learnings and Next Steps” ​📅 1 April 2026 | 15:00–16:30 EAT 🔗 Register: un-org.zoom.us/meeting/regi...#NUALearningSeries ​#NUALearningSeries #NUAReporting #SDG11

When food is wasted, so are the resources used to grow, refrigerate, and distribute it. Food loss and waste generate up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and food waste alone drives up to 14% of global methane emissions. Reducing food loss and waste is important to decrease emissions and

Housing crises hit young people especially hard, combining high costs with deep precarity and weak safety nets. In rapidly growing cities, housing markets are shaped by informality, weak regulation, and speculative development, producing large gaps between what youth can pay and what is supplied.

Food waste is not only an environmental and economic issue; it also exacerbates food insecurity and weakens resilience at a time of global instability. Ahead of #ZeroWasteDay, learn more about this year's theme and events: www.unep.org/zerowasteday/

A true home is not measured in square metres. But in connection. A building without a community is just a shell. To build a home, we must stop building just units. We must build the nervous system of the neighbourhood: the paths, the parks, the lights, and the meeting points.

Ahead of the second #AfricaUrbanForum, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach, and Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, Alice Wahome, discussed Africa’s housing and urban priorities on # Fixing the NationNTV. #HousingForAll #WUF13

As Co-Faciliators, Poland and Malawi are inviting stakeholders to share their insights ahead of the High-Level Meeting on the implementation of the #NewUrbanAgenda. Register before 25 March: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...

VP of China H.E. Han Zheng visited UNON & met with UN-Habitat & UN leadership. Discussions focused on strengthening multilateral cooperation to address rapid urbanization and the global housing. Partnerships are key to delivering housing, land and basic services for all.

New study shows how men focus on walking paths; women scan bushes & shadows for threats. This perception gap widens at night, proving safety design must address women's lived fear, not just lighting. #UrbanSafety #GenderGap

Several African countries face some of the most severe affordable housing crises. But there are solutions. By combining participatory planning, financial innovation, and climate-smart tech, we can close the gap and build cities that work for everyone.

This #WorldWaterDay, observed under the theme “Water and Gender,” UN-Habitat highlights how access to water and sanitation depends on secure land and housing, while women face persistent inequalities. Learn more about how UN-Habitat turns this knowledge into action: unhabitat.org/world-water-...

Water and sanitation are not only a matter of infrastructure — they are also a matter of equality, dignity and rights. This year, World Water Day focuses on water and gender, highlighting how unequal access to housing, land and basic services leaves many without clean water and sanitation. For wom

With the cost of petrol and gas surging in recent weeks, there is one mode of transport that remains unaffected. While the automotive sector grapples with volatile energy markets, the bicycle offers minimal costs and maintenance as well as better air quality, physical and mental health.

#EidMubarak, UN-Habitat wishes all those celebrating a joyous day filled with peace, prosperity, and togetherness. May this Eid be a time for reflection and renewal for you all.

Cutting road space for cars actually reduces traffic overall. A @difu.de review of European traffic‑calming schemes shows up to 30 % fewer vehicles, cleaner air and quieter streets. Drivers react to scarcity, switch to walking, cycling or public transit, and real‑time data fills the gap.

Every year, the world produces 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste, driving the planet towards destruction. From improving waste collection to rethinking production & consumption, it's time to #BeatWastePollution. Here’s how: www.unep.org/events/un-da...#BeatWastePollution #ZeroWasteDay

Home should be a sanctuary: a safe place to grow, learn, and breathe clean air. Yet, 1 billion live in slums, often in flood zones or heat traps. Climate change worsens this, displacing millions into precarious housing where safety is a luxury, not a guarantee. #ClimateJustice #HousingRights

Working on solutions for better cities? 🌇🎯 Showcase them at the Urban Expo of #WUF13 and join the global conversation on sustainable urban development. 📌 Apply by 31 March 🔗 wuf.unhabitat.org/urban-expo#WUF13 #HousingTheWorld

For decades, the prevailing wisdom in urban planning was that to grow an economy, you must accept a certain level of pollution. A new analysis of 19 leading cities - from Beijing and Warsaw - reveals a startling reality: huge air quality improvements are not just possible; they are replicable.

Slum residents face deadly heatwaves due to the urban heat island effect, poor housing, and systemic neglect. Indoor temperatures can hit 40°C, with 25% of African slum workers losing workdays to heat. Climate change amplifies inequality, leaving the urban poor most exposed and least protected.

🔴Starting now! Join the regional media briefing on #WUF13 to get the latest updates on the World Urban Forum and key urban priorities across Eastern Europe & Central Asia. 🎥Tune in: bit.ly/4lpzgqX#WUF13 #HousingTheWorld #RoadToBaku