A new report by UN-Habitat confirms that as many as 3.4 billion people around the world lack adequate housing, with more than 1.1 billion living in informal settlements and slums.

The report, launched during the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan.The World Urban Forum, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, explained that addressing the global housing crisis requires long-term solutions based on human rights, climate change adaptation and community participation.<The report reviewed international models for addressing housing challenges, including slum upgrading rather than demolition in Brazil, participatory housing projects in Thailand, and inclusive urban spatialization initiatives in Jordan.The report noted that buildings contribute about 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, warning that climate risks could threaten 167 million homes by 2040, stressing the need to promote climate-resilient housing.

Habitat emphasized that adequate housing is a fundamental human right, calling on governments to strengthen protection against forced evictions, support affordable housing policies, and engage communities in decision-making.

Habitat emphasized that adequate housing is a fundamental human right, calling on governments to strengthen protection against forced evictions, support affordable housing policies, and involve local communities in decision-making.