UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme)

This one principle can make or break post-conflict peace: give people their homes back ⚖️ A new guide on implementing the Pinheiro Principles in the Middle East and North Africa spells it out: Helping refugees and displaced people reclaim homes, land and property is central to durable recovery. Here’s what stood out: ↪️ Restitution is political. It’s about justice, power, and stability — not just technical processes. ↪️ Return isn’t the only goal. Compensation, new housing, even local integration can all uphold rights. ↪️ Systems matter. Without trusted institutions – registries, courts, legal aid – the process breaks down. ↪️ Discrimination is baked in. Women and marginalised groups are often shut out. Inclusion needs to be designed in. ↪️ Context is everything. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work. Legal and cultural systems vary – the response must too. ↪️ The risks are real. Land disputes can restart conflict. Restitution done wrong can deepen divisions. The guide doesn’t pretend it’s easy. But it makes one thing clear: No stable future is possible without dealing with the past — starting with land and home. To read our latest guide (Arabic), search: "Housing and Property Restitution for Refugees and Displaced Persons"

Eid Mubarak! As communities around the world come together to celebrate the end of #Ramadan, we reflect on the values of solidarity, compassion and shared humanity. At UN-Habitat, we remain committed to building inclusive, resilient cities and communities where everyone can thrive in peace and dignity. Wishing all who celebrate a joyful and meaningful #Eid filled with hope, harmony and renewal.

🌍 Every year, we generate over 2 billion tonnes of municipal waste—and it’s only rising. If we don’t act now, this could reach 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050, fueling the triple planetary crisis. This #ZeroWasteDay, UN-Habitat highlights the urgent need to tackle fashion & textile waste, a growing burden on our cities. From fast fashion to overproduction, textile waste is overwhelming communities—especially the 1.1 billion people living in informal settlements with limited waste services. Cities must lead the way by embracing circular economies, investing in textile innovation and ensuring informal waste workers are part of the solution. Through Waste Wise Cities & the African Clean Cities Platform, UN-Habitat is driving action to make waste a resource, not a problem. 🚀 Let’s rethink fashion, reduce waste and take action together. The time to act is now! 💚 Join the movement to #BeatWastePollution: https://loom.ly/z1Q1jdA

Statement by the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach, expressing condolences and solidarity following the devastating Earthquake in #Myanmar and #Thailand. The Executive Director of UN-Habitat extends her heartfelt condolences to the people of Myanmar and Thailand. She expresses deep sorrow over the loss of life and widespread destruction and reaffirms UN-Habitat’s commitment to supporting the affected communities in their recovery and rebuilding efforts. 🔗 Read the full statement here: https://loom.ly/BUYyDqw

🚨 Myanmar and Thailand Earthquake: Emergency Appeal A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, causing loss of life and widespread destruction. 📍 Impact at a glance: 🔹 An estimated 7 million people affected 🔹 Critical infrastructure—including hospitals, bridges, and heritage sites—severely damaged UN-Habitat is calling on humanitarian agencies and development partners to join efforts and mobilize resources for life-saving aid and long-term recovery solutions. With years of expertise in earthquake risk management, UN-Habitat stands ready to support: ✔️ Rapid damage assessments to inform response efforts ✔️ Build Back Better housing reconstruction with earthquake-resistant structures ✔️ Innovative, sustainable solutions, including prefabricated shelters and renewable energy ✔️ Community-led recovery, prioritizing vulnerable populations ✔️ Coordination with UN agencies, local authorities, and technical partners for an effective response The road to recovery must be inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. 🔗 Learn more: https://loom.ly/18meEws UN-Habitat Myanmar #UN-Habitat Thailand

People are buying more clothes than ever, but they don’t stay in closets for long. This relentless cycle of overproduction and waste is draining resources and polluting ecosystems An easy fix? Wear them longer. Extending the life of clothing can cut emissions and reduce waste—the planet will thank you! This #ZeroWasteDay, let’s rethink fashion and act to #BeatWastePollution: https://loom.ly/NYSwd9Y

As the United Nations is turning 80 years old, I can’t help but reflect on what an audacious experiment this Organization has been. In all of human history, there had never been a single place where every government, every culture, every nation united to help fix the world and build something better. In many ways, the UN is a living miracle. And I am very proud of my colleagues who keep that miracle alive each and every day. Our work is not simply a job – it’s a mission. It’s a calling to serve humanity, to ease human suffering, to make peace, to bring people together. We don’t know exactly what is ahead, but I can assure you of three things: We will never stop sticking to UN principles and values. We will never stop striving to make those values real in people’s lives. And we will never, ever give up. #UN80

Extending the life of clothing should benefit the planet—not put communities at risk. 🌍👕 Yet, much of the world’s used textiles are shipped to the Global South, where inadequate waste management leads to landfills, burning, or dumping in waterways—polluting ecosystems and endangering public health. A truly circular fashion industry must prioritize responsible reuse and recycling without shifting the burden elsewhere. Stronger policies, industry accountability, and conscious choices are key to tackling textile waste and finding real solutions to #BeatWastePollution.

Nairobi marked an early celebration of the International Day of Zero Waste today with a vibrant event hosted at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) by UN Environment Programme, UN-Habitat, and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Türkiye to the United Nations in Nairobi. For the first time, #ZeroWasteDay spotlights a global challenge we wear every day—fashion and textile waste. Driven by overproduction and overconsumption, the industry generates massive waste and emissions—but also holds huge potential for circular solutions. Musician Savara shared his personal connection to sustainable fashion, recalling how his mother’s work in the industry shaped his understanding of responsible production and consumption. His story echoed the event’s core message: change begins with awareness and action. A panel discussion dived into how different stakeholders can drive change to #BeatWastePollution: ✨ Empowering youth through inclusive education & workshops ✨ Promoting sustainable brands over fast fashion ✨ Supporting local governments in advancing circular textile policies The event also spotlighted inspiring UN-backed initiatives like the United Wardrobe Project, Textiles as a Service and Intellecap’s ‘Closing the Loop on Textile Waste’, proving that circular fashion is not just possible—it’s already happening. "This year, Zero Waste Day focuses on fashion and textiles—a sector that generates an enormous amount of waste annually but also holds the potential for real change. From rethinking fast fashion to reducing waste at its source, we must transition toward more circular economic models in fashion and textiles," stressed Anacláudia Rossbach, UN-Habitat Executive Director. By bringing together governments, industry leaders and young entrepreneurs, the event raised awareness of the impacts of textile waste while showcasing zero-waste solutions that promote sustainability and equity, particularly in vulnerable communities. #SustainableFashion #CircularEconomy #TextileWaste

The first session of the UN-Habitat Executive Board for 2025 concludes today in Nairobi, with Member States continuing focused discussions on strategy, programme delivery and institutional strengthening. Highlights from day 2 include: 🔹 Update on the draft Strategic Plan 2026–2029, including priorities, outcomes and monitoring approaches 🔹 Briefing on the Sustainable Cities and Communities Foundation, with concerns over financial contributions and governance 🔹 Progress on implementing Habitat Assembly resolutions, including the launch of the Resolution Tracker and updates on key initiatives Discussions from day 3 focus on: 🔹 UN-Habitat’s role in UN development system reform and country-level engagement 🔹 Ongoing efforts to improve internal management, digital workflows, and accountability systems 📄 Stay informed with the Daily Journal: https://loom.ly/cEd12E4