UN chief urges cities to invest in adequate housing

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for cities to invest in adequate housing and urban regeneration, saying more than 3 billion people lack access to adequate housing worldwide.

In a message issued ahead of World Cities Day on 31 October, Guterres said 1.1 billion people live in informal settlements. He also pointed to ageing neighbourhoods, rising costs and intensifying climate risks in cities, which are home to more than half of humanity.

Guterres said revitalising existing urban areas could create more housing, upgrade infrastructure and improve public spaces. He called for national and local governments, financial institutions, businesses and communities to work together, with planning that meets the needs of all residents.

The UN chief described housing as foundational to tackling inequality and advancing sustainable development, and urged cities to build greener, more secure and affordable places to live.