UN Chief Urges Affordable Housing Finance for Developing Countries
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for reforms to the international financial system to help developing countries access adequate, predictable and affordable funding for large-scale housing investment.
Guterres made the call in a virtual message marking the 2026 World Habitat Day, stressing that housing should be treated as a public good and that everyone should have access to a place to call home.
He noted that more than three billion people worldwide are denied adequate housing, while over one billion live in informal settlements and slums. Many others face homelessness or have been displaced by conflicts, natural disasters and climate change.
According to the UN chief, adequate housing provides the foundation for dignity, security and opportunity. He said greater investment in housing and the improvement of informal settlements could help reduce poverty, address inequality, strengthen climate resilience and promote peaceful, inclusive societies.
Guterres also emphasised the need for coordinated action at all levels of government. He called on national and local authorities to develop bold policies, build partnerships and use reliable data to guide decisions on housing and urban development.
He said reforming the international financial architecture was necessary to mobilise the resources developing countries need to expand housing provision.
Nigeria Highlights Housing and Urban Development Challenges
Also speaking at the gathering, Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, said the event provided an opportunity to renew collective commitment to adequate housing, sustainable urbanisation and the development of inclusive, resilient and prosperous human settlements across the country.
Darma noted that Nigeria’s rapid urbanisation presented opportunities for economic growth and innovation but was also increasing pressure on housing supply, land, infrastructure, transportation, sanitation and environmental management.
He said addressing these challenges required coordinated policies, effective institutions, sustainable financing and strong partnerships involving all levels of government and other stakeholders.
The minister stressed the importance of expanding access to decent and affordable homes while improving the quality of existing cities and communities.
He explained that adequate housing goes beyond the physical structure, saying homes should be affordable, safe, accessible and properly located.
According to him, secure tenure and access to infrastructure, transportation, employment opportunities and essential social services are also important elements of adequate housing.
The calls made during World Habitat Day highlight the need for sustained investment, improved financing arrangements and stronger cooperation between governments and development partners to address housing shortages and improve living conditions.
