Islamabad: World Habitat Day is being observed on October 5 under the theme “Adequate Housing for All”, drawing attention to a global crisis affecting people’s ability to live safely and affordably.

UN Habitat, the United Nations agency working on housing and urban development, estimates that 2.8 billion people face some form of housing inadequacy. Nearly 1.1 billion live in slums or informal settlements, areas often lacking secure housing rights or reliable basic services.

Adequate housing means more than having a roof. International standards include affordability, safe construction, access to water and sanitation, suitable location and protection against forced eviction.

Affordability means housing costs should not prevent families from meeting other essential needs. Security of tenure means legal protection for people living in a home, whether they own or rent it.

Observed on the first Monday of October, World Habitat Day began in 1986. It encourages governments and communities to examine living conditions and people’s right to suitable shelter.

This year’s global observance is scheduled in Muscat, Oman, with discussions on expanding access to housing and recognising contributions to better urban living.

Pakistan’s Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency is listed among this year’s UN Habitat Scroll of Honour recipients. The award recognises work supporting urban development, including the agency’s contribution to affordable housing for households on low incomes.

The observance coincides with protests in Spain over rising rents and evictions, highlighting the gap between housing as a basic need and what many households can afford.

The challenge also extends to homes that are unsafe, overcrowded or poorly served. Addressing it requires attention to both the number of available homes and the conditions in which people live.