From Definitions to Solutions European and Global Approaches to Combat Homelessness

"Homelessness remains one of the most visible yet least addressed manifestations of inequality [and], inadequate housing systems” (Report of the Secretary-General, 2025). While European countries have made progress in putting the topic on the political agenda, the lack of globally harmonized definitions and comparable data continues to hinder coordinated action and learning. Recent policy developments however create further momentum. The EU Affordable Housing Plan reinforces housing affordability and includes homeless people as a priority target group. In parallel, UN-Habitat’s Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on “Adequate Housing for All” co-chaired by France features homelessness as one of the key priorities with an emphasize on advancing a shared global understanding of homelessness that can support better measurement, policy coherence and accountability. This session will connect European policy leadership with global perspectives, creating a platform for stocktaking, North–South exchange and dialogue on how common definitions and integrated housing policies can accelerate progress toward ending homelessness.