number of people are driven from their homes by disasters such as conflict, political instability, climate change and economic hardship. By the end of April 2025, there were 122.1 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, an increase of 2.1 million since the previous year. This number includes 42.7 million refugees who have fled across borders and 73.5 million internally displaced people (IDPs). This is accelerating urban growth.

Urbanisation rapidly changes the face of our planet in adverse ways. Recognising the challenges and opportunities of this destruction, the United Nations established World Habitat Day, observed on the first Monday of October each year. This day emphasises the importance of ensuring every individual’s right to adequate shelter and underlines the need for sustainable urban and rural habitats. The purpose of the Day is to reflect on the state of human settlements and people’s right to sufficient shelter. It also aims to remind people that they are responsible for the habitat of future generations. More than 30 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly took an important step in promoting the idea that everyone deserves a decent place to live.

The theme proposed by the United Nations for World Habitat Day 2025 is Urban Crisis Response. It highlighting how cities are facing challenges and the need for stronger planning to overcome these challenges and capitalise on the opportunities presented by rapid urbanisation. The Day matters because it creates awareness about the desire for security, affordability and sustainable housing. It provides direction to the administration and society to resolve issues in urban areas, such as the lack of shelter,........

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