Concept Note

WORLD HABITAT DAY 2025: URBAN SOLUTIONS TO CRISIS

DATE: 6 October 2025

LOCATION: UN-Habitat HQ at UNON, Nairobi - Kenya

An increasing number of people are driven from their homes by crises such as conflict, political instability, climate change and economic hardship. A record 122 million people are forcibly displaced1. In an increasingly urbanizing world, displacement is becoming an urban phenomenon. Over 60% of internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrants are seeking refuge in cities, putting pressure on local systems. This is accelerating urban growth while changing territories significantly. This makes urban crisis response and urban displacement a timely focus for World Habitat Day. The day will highlight sustainable, scalable, and transformative solutions to urban displacement that help stabilize populations while promoting prosperity and fostering social cohesion for all. It will put the spotlight on the importance of urban and territorial planning, inclusive urban governance and the role of local governments in sustainable solutions for displacement.

UN-HABITAT. CONCEPT NOTE: WORLD HABITAT DAY 2025: URBAN SOLUTIONS TO CRISIS.

Public Domain