At a time when the housing crisis affects 3 billion people, the review of the UN's New Urban Agenda reaffirms the role of urban planning in sustainable city development; asymmetries and inequalities persist in implementing the agenda in least developed countries.

On July 16 and 17, UN Headquarters in New York hosts the high-level meeting on the review of the New Urban Agenda.

Adopted at the Habitat III Conference in 2016, the agenda sets out a shared vision for sustainable cities and human settlements, recognizing the potential of urban planning as a driver of development.

Housing crisis affects billions of people

The meeting comes at a critical time. The world faces a global housing crisis affecting more than 3 billion people, including over 1.1 billion living in slums and informal settlements.

The Secretary-General's 2026 quadrennial report on implementation of the agenda highlights progress made over the past ten years, such as expanded access to transport and basic services and the growing integration of urban priorities into climate policies.

However, implementation has been uneven and insufficient. The document notes that "access to public transport remains at just 37% in least developed countries, where a lack of financing and capacity limits sustainable urban planning."

Based on these findings, the report recommends key actions to accelerate implementation of the New Urban Agenda, such as adopting housing policies that prioritize low-income groups and coordinated responses to support homeless people.

Commitments reaffirmed

Over the two days of the meeting, heads of State and government, ministers and other high-level representatives will assess progress, identify remaining challenges and set priorities for the second half of the agenda's implementation.

The review draws on national progress reports, contributions from the UN system, and a broad consultative process involving Member States and a wide range of partners and stakeholders.

The meeting will conclude with the adoption of a political declaration, reaffirming the global commitment to implementing the New Urban Agenda through 2036 and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).