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Access to adequate housing is a fundamental element of human dignity, safety and well-being, yet the world continues to face a severe housing crisis. More than 3 billion people lack access to adequate housing, more than 1.1 billion people live in informal settlements and hundreds of millions experience homelessness. These challenges are being intensified by conflict, disasters and climate change, with people in vulnerable situations often facing the greatest risks and the fewest resources to recover. The right to adequate housing is recognized in international human rights instruments and is closely linked to progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda.

2026 Theme: Adequate Housing for All

World Habitat Day is marked on the first Monday of October each year and is recognized by the United Nations as an occasion to reflect on the state of towns and cities and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter.

World Habitat Day 2026, under the theme “Adequate Housing for All”, will draw attention to the policies, partnerships and practical solutions needed to turn this right into a reality. Achieving adequate housing requires inclusive approaches that respond to the needs of lower-income households, people experiencing homelessness, communities affected by crises and disasters, and those at risk of displacement.

It also calls for secure land tenure, well-planned and well-serviced neighbourhoods, and a wider range of housing options, including social, public, rental, cooperative, community-led and market-based models. Housing solutions should also be environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient and culturally appropriate.

The Global Observance of World Habitat Day 2026 will take place in Muscat, Oman, from 5 to 8 October 2026, marking the start of Urban October and coinciding with the Home & Building Expo. The observance will provide a global platform for Governments, communities and other stakeholders to exchange experiences, showcase innovative approaches and strengthen partnerships in support of adequate housing for all.

It will also promote dialogue on integrated housing strategies, effective multilevel governance, enabling policies and legislation, reliable data and adequate financing to help translate commitments into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.

Take part in Urban October 2026

World Habitat Day launches Urban October, a month of events, discussions and activities focused on sustainable urbanization and the future of cities and communities. Urban October begins with World Habitat Day on the first Monday of October and concludes with World Cities Day on 31 October.

Governments, local authorities, universities, civil society organizations, communities, the private sector and other partners are encouraged to organize or participate in activities. Events may take place in person, online or in hybrid formats and can include public discussions, workshops, exhibitions, lectures, media activities and community initiatives.

Background

In 1985, the United Nations designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of our habitats and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. The Day is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns; it is our collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.

Scroll of Honour Award

The UN-Habitat was launched by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in 1989 and is one of the world’s most prestigious human settlements awards.

The Award recognizes individuals, organizations, institutions and initiatives that have made outstanding contributions to adequate housing and sustainable urban development and to improving the quality of urban life.

Nominations for the 2026 UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award are now closed. Five winners will receive the award during the Global Observance of World Habitat Day in Muscat, Oman, on 5 October 2026.

The 2026 award places particular emphasis on initiatives that advance adequate housing, sustainable urban development and progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.