The United Nations designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It also reminds us we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. The purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. World Habitat Day was established in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/202, and was first celebrated in 1986. World Habitat Day 2026 On 5 October 2026, the Global Observance of World Habitat Day will be related to "Adequate Housing for All". The global housing crisis whereby an estimated 2.8 billion people face various forms of housing inadequacy, in which close to 1.1 billion reside in slums and informal settlements, calls for urgent and concerted action. World Habitat Day will consider how to realize the ambition of ensuring access to adequate housing for all as a cornerstone for achieving the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda. Objectives In line with UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029, World Habitat Day will: Share urban and territorial development strategies for durable solutions to displacement. Recognize the central role of local governments in championing solutions and the need for multi-level governance. Highlight social cohesion and inclusive governance as key enablers of urban integration of displaced populations. Consider the critical role of housing, land and basic services for sustainable solutions for displacement. Showcase urban practices that have successfully achieved social cohesion, recovery and integration for displacement of affected communities. Source : UN Habitat