World Habitat Day is marked on the first Monday of October each year and is recognized by the United Nations to reflect on the state of towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter.
On 6 October 2025, the Global Observance of World Habitat Day was linked to, urban crisis response. The theme focused on addressing multiple crises affecting urban areas, including climate and conflicts that are contributing to inequality, and promote existing tools and approaches to effective crisis response.
Global Messages on World Habitat Day
Information for Participants
Press Release
WHD-2025 Programme
6 October 2025 GLOBAL OBESERVANCE OF WORLD HABITAT DAY
| 09:00 – 09:30 | ARRIVAL OF ATTENDEES |
| 09:30 – 10:00 | HIGH-LEVEL OPENING CEREMONY |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | UN-HABITAT SCROLL OF HONOR AWARDS AND SPECIAL CITATION |
| 10:30 – 12:00 | HIGH-LEVEL PANEL DISCUSSION |
| 12:00 – 12:30 | CLOSING CEREMONY |
For a detailed Programme click here.
Programme
Videos
Scroll of Honour and Special Citation
The UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award, launched in 1989, recognizes individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to urban development, including improving the quality of urban life for all and ensuring adequate, affordable, and accessible housing.
View past winners and their achievements here to learn more about the impactful work recognized through this prestigious award.
The UN-Habitat Special Citation is a recognition to impactful work in sustainable urbanization and improving the quality of urban life, particularly for those living in poverty or displaced by conflict.
Meet the 2025 winners
For its pioneering commitment to spatial justice and housing rights demonstrated by its innovative “Housing Monitor” initiative empowering vulnerable communities.
For combating housing poverty illustrated by its mission to “Renovate Homes, Rebuild Lives, and Restore Dignity” across vulnerable communities.
For his transformative “Hydroponic Farm-in- a-Box” innovation, which exemplifies an inclusive, circular, and climate-smart approach to sustainable urban food systems and resilient community livelihoods.
For her visionary, participatory approach to urban regeneration and social justice exemplified by her “UTOPIAS” model of inclusive community spaces.
A Special Citation for strengthening global capacity for sustainable urban development through training and international collaboration
Complementary sessions to the Global Observance by UN-Habitat in other regions
- AfricaTunisia
- AsiaAfghanistan
- AsiaLao People's Democratic Republic
- AsiaSri Lanka
- AmericasBogotá, Colombia