Support the Invisible Billion: Call to Action for Improved Housing in Informal Settlements

More than 1.1 billion people around the world live in inadequate housing conditions, often in overcrowded slums and informal settlements without access to basic services or secure tenure.

In 2012, India’s housing deficit was estimated at ~18 million urban and ~43 million rural units.  The Government of India’s commendable national housing programme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, has taken great strides in bridging this gap. In fact, India is one of the few countries in the world to have a structured national housing programme. However, the need for affordable housing continues to grow. In 2030, it is projected to reach nearly 31 million. With rapid urbanisation, migration and extreme weather events such as floods, heatwaves, cyclones and earthquakes, our housing needs are growing rapidly.

In 2025, Canada will host leaders of the world’s largest industrialised economies at the G7 Summit. Housing must be on the agenda. Join us in urging G7 nations to take decisive action to improve the lives of the “invisible billion” — the more than 1.1 billion people living in slums and informal settlements without the security of a safe and adequate home. Because everyone deserves a decent place to live.

I join Habitat for Humanity India and others worldwide in urging the G7 members to take action to improve the lives of the more than 1.1 billion people living in slums and informal settlements. 

Read the full petition

Home is more than a place to live. Home equals better health, safety and security and the foundation for a better future.

But for the “invisible billion” — the more than 1.1 billion people living in slums or informal settlements — home equals something drastically different.

They endure overcrowded conditions that often threaten their health and safety. Limited access to essential services such as electricity, sanitation, and clean water exposes them to life-threatening diseases. Unstable homes leave them vulnerable to extreme weather and climate change. Lacking property rights, they live in constant fear of eviction. And for women, who already face inequities in health and economic opportunity, the dangers are even more severe.

This isn’t fair, and it isn’t right. The “invisible billion” holds boundless potential, yet they are too often denied the opportunity to thrive.

Without urgent action, the number of people living in these conditions will continue to grow. The time to act is now.

In May 2025, leaders of the world’s largest industrialised economies will gather at the G7 Summit in Canada to tackle global challenges. As the world’s biggest contributors to development assistance, these leaders must prioritise improving the lives of one-eighth of the global population — the “invisible billion” who live in informal settlements.

The G7 has the power to help remove the structural barriers that prevent these communities from accessing adequate housing. They can:

• Prioritise programs and policies that ensure housing for the most vulnerable, in particular people living in informal settlements.
• Dedicate foreign assistance to improving homes in informal settlements.
• Champion upgrading projects that adopt a feminist approach, addressing the unique needs of women and girls.

Improved housing leads to reduced poverty, better health and higher educational attainment, especially for women and girls. These ripple effects uplift entire cities and countries, advancing sustainable development globally.

Together, we can help make the “invisible billion” visible to the G7 by asking them to change the equation so that home equals an opportunity for a better future.

I join Habitat for Humanity and others worldwide in urging the G7 members to take action to improve the lives of the more than 1.1 billion people living in slums and informal settlements.