UN Report Warns 40% of Global Population Lacks Adequate Housing and Basic Services

Nairobi:A staggering **2.8 billion people worldwide**, nearly **40% of the global population**, lack access to **adequate housing, secure land, and basic water and sanitation services**, according to a new estimate from the **United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)**.

The agency revealed that **1.12 billion people live in informal settlements**, while another **300 million are homeless**, surviving without any form of stable shelter. The crisis is most severe in regions like **Africa and Asia-Pacific**, where **rapid urban migration** continues to outpace the development of new housing and infrastructure.

In Africa, **62% of urban residents live in informal housing**, and in Asia-Pacific, **over 500 million lack access to basic water services**, with more than **1 billion people deprived of proper sanitation and drainage systems**.

The **impacts of climate change** — including extreme heat, water scarcity, and climate-related disasters — are further worsening the risks for those already living without secure and formal shelter.

**UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif** emphasized that solving the housing crisis is essential to achieving global sustainable development. “Access to decent housing is not only a **basic human right**, but it also stimulates **job creation**, boosts national economies, and improves health, education, and social mobility,” she said.

To address this crisis, **delegates from across the world have gathered in Nairobi** for the second session of the **UN-Habitat Assembly**, running until **May 30**, to deliberate on sustainable urbanization and human settlement strategies.

The session will also approve the **2026–2029 Strategic Plan**, focusing on **access to housing, land, and services**, **upgrading informal settlements**, and enhancing **climate resilience, preparedness**, and **inclusive prosperity**. The plan also seeks to strengthen coordination with other UN bodies to accelerate progress on the **Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)**.

The Nairobi Assembly serves as the highest global platform for **urban policy dialogue and collaboration**, aimed at fostering a more inclusive, sustainable urban future.