Diplomatic Correspondent

United Secretary-General António Guterres said over one billion people live in overcrowded settlements with inadequate housing – and that number is rising every day.

In his message for the World Habitat Day on October 3, the Secretary-General emphasised that rapid and unplanned urbanization is exacerbating many of the challenges.

World Habitat Day focuses attention on the state of human settlements.
This year’s theme – ‘Mind the Gap. Leave No One and No Place Behind’ – puts the spotlight on widening inequalities in living conditions across the world.

"A cascade of challenges – from climate chaos and conflicts to COVID-19 – is hitting the most vulnerable populations the hardest" said Guterres.

"We need more urgent action and greater investment to provide affordable housing to all – alongside access to electricity, water, sanitation, transport, and other basic services" he added.

The UN Secretary General reminded that to leave no one behind is the core pledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and he added "This means making cities work for women and children and closing existing gaps: between the haves and the have-nots; within and between urban and rural areas; and within and between developed and developing regions"

Inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements are crucial – and local action is key he emphasized in his message for the day and continued "Cities, towns, and communities can spearhead innovative solutions to address inequalities, ensure adequate shelter for all, tackle the climate crisis and drive a green and inclusive pandemic recovery"

"This includes pursuing people-centered policies, promoting sustainable patterns of consumption and production, and prioritizing green and resilient infrastructure".

"On World Habitat Day, let us pledge to live up to our shared responsibility to one another" ended Secretary-General his message.