Global Housing Crisis: Experts Gather in Baku to Address UN-Reported 2.8 Billion Affected

The global housing crisis takes center stage at the 13th UN World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, where ministers, mayors, and international organizations are gathered to address a challenge affecting nearly 2.8 billion people worldwide. The five-day conference, running from May 17 to 22, is focused on the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” as the United Nations warns that inadequate housing conditions are worsening amid soaring costs, climate shocks, and geopolitical conflicts. ### A Crisis with No Borders The scale of the problem is staggering. According to UN-Habitat, the UN agency responsible for human settlements, nearly 2.8 billion people currently live in inadequate housing conditions, while over 300 million people have no home at all. The crisis, long concentrated in the Global South, has now spread to the Global North, driven by rising living costs and disruptions to global supply chains—including the ongoing war in the Middle East. Anacláudia Rossbach, head of UN-Habitat, described the situation as a “global housing crisis” in an interview with UN Video. “This crisis has long been most severe and structural in the Global South, but now it is also being felt in the Global North as well,” she said. The rising cost of living has become a major issue, further straining access to adequate shelter. ### Beyond Bricks and Mortar The conference in Baku is not just about building more homes—it is about redefining housing as a cornerstone of human dignity, urban resilience, and global stability. The UN emphasizes that the impacts of inadequate housing ripple across every aspect of life, straining healthcare and education systems, weakening economies, and fraying social cohesion. With nearly 70% of the global population expected to live in cities by 2050, the crisis is projected to intensify unless urgent action is taken. The World Urban Forum serves as a critical platform for governments, private sector leaders, civil society, and urban planners to collaborate on solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. ### A Call to Action The forum brings together over 40,000 participants, including world leaders, mayors, and experts from across the globe. Discussions will focus on innovative financing mechanisms, policy reforms, and community-led initiatives to ensure that housing is not only accessible but also resilient to climate shocks and economic instability. As the conference unfolds, the spotlight remains on whether the international community can translate commitments into tangible action—before the crisis deepens further.