UN-HABITAT

How can we accelerate progress on in the final years of the 2030 Agenda?

Join UN-Habitat and partners at for a high-level discussion on how integrated urban systems and human rights can help build more sustainable, inclusive and resilient cities.

The event will explore how investing in adequate housing, transforming informal settlements, advancing sustainable mobility, strengthening urban resilience and embracing circular solutions can accelerate progress towards sustainable urban development while leaving no one behind.

Drawing on the findings of the SDG 11 Global Report 2026, representatives from governments, UN agencies and cities will share practical experiences and discuss the actions needed to get back on track.

📅 10 July 2026
🕐 13:15 to 14:30 EDT
📍 Conference Room 11, UN Headquarters, New York

Learn more: https://unhabitat.org/un-habitat-at-the-high-level-political-forum-2026

The world is off track to achieve .

Launched today at , the SDG 11 Global Report 2026 shows that progress towards sustainable cities and communities is neither fast nor equitable enough to achieve the goal by 2030.The report identifies the global housing crisis as one of the greatest barriers to sustainable urban development. More than 3 billion people lack access to adequate housing, including over 1.1 billion living in informal settlements and slums.

While progress has been made in areas such as public transport, urban planning and waste collection, these gains are being outpaced by rapid urbanization, rising inequalities and growing housing affordability challenges.

The message is clear. Housing is the foundation of sustainable development. Investing in adequate housing, transforming informal settlements and building urban resilience can accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals.

📖 Read the full report: https://unhabitat.org/the-sdg-11-synthesis-report

🏠 Human dignity starts at home.

Yet for up to 3.4 billion people, a safe, adequate and secure home remains out of reach. Housing is more than shelter—it is the foundation for health, opportunity, security and a life of dignity.

Join UN-Habitat tomorrow at for "Restoring Dignity: Adequate Housing for All," a live conversation exploring the global housing crisis through the voices of policymakers, community advocates and young leaders.

Together, we'll examine why adequate housing is a human right, how communities are driving solutions, and what it will take to advance and ensure everyone has access to adequate housing.

📅 10 July 2026
🕙 10:00–11:00 AM (EDT)
📍 UN Headquarters, New York
📺 Live on UN WebTV: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k12/k12ogwz7ypp

Be part of the conversation on restoring dignity through adequate housing.

Better decisions start with better data.

At the Summit, UN-Habitat showcased how AI and geospatial technologies are helping governments better understand, map and respond to housing needs, especially in informal settlements.

The challenge is immense:
🏠 More than 3 billion people lack access to adequate housing.
🏙️ More than 1.1 billion people live in informal settlements.

By combining AI with Earth observation and geospatial analysis, cities can generate faster, more accurate data to support planning, prioritize investments, and improve access to adequate housing and basic services.

UN-Habitat is putting this into practice through UNITAC. Developed in partnership with UNOSAT, the BEAM tool uses AI to map buildings and informal settlements, providing governments with the information they need to plan more effectively and leave no community behind.

GeoAI Toolkit for urban planners demonstrated how AI supports better urban planning and helps build more inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities.

As technology continues to evolve, our responsibility is clear. We must use these tools to strengthen decision-making while keeping people at the centre. AI should help improve the lives of those who need it most, especially people living in informal settlements and other marginalized communities.

🤝Global challenges require a united response. Working as means bringing together our collective expertise to deliver better results for countries, cities and communities.

On the sidelines of Forum, Summit and Global Dialogue on AI Governance, UN-Habitat met with UN partners to strengthen collaboration in support of sustainable urbanization, the achievement of the , and adequate housing for all.