World Habitat Day — 5 October 2026

Adequate housing: an essential prerequisite for development

Living with dignity means having a home that is safe, healthy, affordable and connected to essential services. For the World Association for Development, these conditions determine a person’s ability to stay healthy, study, work and build a future. Excessive housing costs, insecurity of tenure and distance from services can trap households in long-term precariousness.

Housing policies must integrate new construction, the improvement of existing housing, secure land tenure, transport and access to water, sanitation and energy. They must address both urban and rural realities, involve residents in decision-making and take climate risks into account. Improving deprived neighbourhoods and supporting displaced populations require tailored solutions that safeguard their rights and livelihoods.

The AMD places human needs at the heart of housing and urban planning policies. Accessible funding, responsible planning and cooperation between public authorities, local authorities, communities and the private sector must ensure that the most underserved populations are reached. Guaranteeing decent and sustainable housing means offering everyone a stable foundation on which to live in safety and participate in the development of their community.

 

World Habitat Day
5 October 2026

The Chief Executive

Hugues B. GNIMADI

World Association for Development — AMD
LET US WORK TOWARDS THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLES AND COMMUNITIES