United Nations Habitat Assembly closes with a new plan to tackle the global housing crisis

Member States endorsed UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 which focuses on addressing the global housing crisis. The Assembly further announced the theme for the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum, and elected the new President of the Assembly and 36 members of the Executive Board of UN-Habitat.
An ambitious roadmap to confront the global housing crisis
Member States adopted the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026–2029, which will guide the work of the organization over the next four years. The focus of the plan is to enable access to housing, land, and basic services. Through this focus, UN-Habitat seeks to address three key global challenges: environment and climate action; equitable and inclusive prosperity for poverty eradication; and preparedness, response, recovery and reconstruction in crisis settings. The plan refl ects the priorities of Member States and aligns with the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“This Assembly was convened at a time of profound global uncertainty, but also at a moment of immense possibility,” said Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat. “The Strategic Plan we have adopted is ambitious yet fi rmly grounded in realism. But strategy alone is not enough, it must be matched by concrete implementation… We look to our Member States to honour their commitments and continue their generous contributions, so that together, we can deliver transformative impact where it is needed most.”
Speaking on behalf of the host country’s President, Alice Wahome, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development of Kenya, said: “I pledge to triple contributions to UN-Habitat, reinforcing Kenya’s dedication to sustainable urban development… The right to adequate housing must transition from principle to practice…This session has reinforced our shared responsibility to action.”

The Strategic Plan aims to accelerate inclusive, sustainable, and equitable transitions in cities and communities, especially in countries facing acute challenges related to climate, confl ict, and inequality. It positions adequate housing as an essential precondition to make progress towards the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals to 2030.
Theme of World Urban Forum 13 announced
Looking ahead, the Assembly confi rmed that the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2026, under the theme: “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities”.
The theme builds on the outcomes of WUF12 and the Cairo Call to Action, positioning housing not only as a basic human right but also as a catalyst for climate adaptation, social inclusion, and economic opportunity.
“We are determined to work closely with a wide range of partners to turn WUF13 in Baku into a major milestone for the global housing agenda,” said Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan and WUF13 National Coordinator.
New leadership elected to UN-Habitat governance bodies
The governments of Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to jointly assume leadership of the United Nations Habitat Assembly. Malaysia will serve as President from 2025 to 2027, after which the United Arab Emirates will take over until 2029. In addition, both countries will share a seat on the Executive Board of UN-Habitat, with the UAE serving on the oversight body for the fi rst two years, followed by Malaysia for the subsequent two years.
“It is with deep humility and profound responsibility that I accept the Presidency of the UN-Habitat Assembly on behalf of the Asia-Pacifi c Group,” said Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government, Malaysia. “Let us strengthen UN-Habitat as a platform for thinking and doing.”
“It is a great honour to be elected as President of the United Nations Habitat Assembly and for the Executive Board, jointly with Malaysia,” said Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Director General, Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, United Arab Emirates. “This is a partnership that is marked by strategic coordination and shared by a purpose for a better future.”

Over the past six years, Mexico served as the President of the United Nations Habitat Assembly. Mexico’s commitment and guidance have been instrumental in strengthening the governance of UN-Habitat and in keeping urban issues high on the international agenda.
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About UN-Habitat
UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity working for sustainable urbanization. With programmes in over 90 countries, it supports policymakers and communities to create socially and environmentally sustainable cities and towns. UN-Habitat promotes transformative change in urban areas through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance, and collaborative action. To know more, visit unhabitat.org or follow us on X @UNHABITAT.
Media contact for more information
Media Team UN-Habitat unhabitat-media@un.org