A home is one of the most basic human needs due to which a human being must live on the streets, under bridges, in slums, or on public lands, in unprotected and unsafe makeshift structures, with limited rights and few means to fulfill their potential. The number of vulnerable individuals and families living without a home is growing in low, medium, and high-income countries throughout the world. It is true that in every country and in urban, suburban, and rural are found.  It is the first time in its 75-year history, the United Nations is explicitly addressing global homelessness under the priority theme “Affordable housing and social protection systems for all to address homelessness” and to implement social protection floors which are fundamental tools for alleviating poverty and a major contributor to the realization of human rights for all,  particularly the most vulnerable sector. Homelessness cuts across all of the SDGs eradication of poverty, good health and gender equality, decent work and economic growth and also to reduce inequalities, sustainable cities, and communities, climate change,  peace & justice.

The year 2020 marks the 25th Anniversary of the World Summit for Social Development (WSSD), held in Copenhagen from 6 to 12 March 1995. The largest gathering yet of world leaders – 117 heads of State or Government – pledged to make the conquest of poverty, the goal of full employment and the fostering of stable, safe and just societies their overriding objectives. They also pledged to put people at the center of development. These principles guide the Commission for Social Development.

The plan is prepared by the NGO Committee for Social Development with support from UN DESA/DSPD and FES.