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Secretary-General's message 2026

Poverty is an affront to human dignity and a denial of human rights. It closes off opportunities and leaves people more exposed when crisis strikes.

This year¡¯s theme, ¡°Safe Homes for All¡±, shines a light on how poverty increases the risk of housing insecurity, while unaffordable rents, insecure tenure and homelessness can push people deeper into poverty. The consequences can last for generations, reinforcing inequality, undermining health, disrupting education, and making stable employment ever harder to secure.

Breaking this vicious cycle means preventing income and housing shocks from setting off a downward spiral. It requires affordable housing and basic services, alongside decent work and universal social protection.

The Doha Political Declaration renewed the world¡¯s promise to eradicate poverty and confront the inequalities and injustices that perpetuate it. Delivering on this commitment requires stronger national action, backed by international cooperation and adequate financing. The Sevilla Commitment charts the path forward. We must reform the international financial architecture to make it more inclusive, representative, and responsive to the needs of developing countries.

The resources and knowledge exist. On this International Day, let us mobilize the political will and investments needed to ensure everyone has a safe home, and the opportunity to build a life of dignity, free from poverty.