Vivienda

Asian celebrities rally young people across Asia-Pacific to volunteer, raise funds and speak out for decent housing as a way out of poverty

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 11, 2016) – The Bureau of the Habitat III Preparatory Committee recently released the zero draft of the New Urban Agenda, which was created in consultation and coordination with numerous sectors and stakeholders around the globe, including Habitat for Humanity.

This zero draft of what will be the final outcome document of the Habitat III conference sets the world on the right path toward a sustainable urban strategy that addresses housing and settlement challenges for decades to come. Habitat III is a critical opportunity to reinvigorate commitment to sustainable development as the global rate of urbanization continues to increase.

“Habitat for Humanity applauds members of the Bureau of the Habitat III Preparatory Committee, the Habitat III Secretariat and Member States for ensuring that the zero draft addresses housing and settlement challenges by placing ‘adequate housing and shelter at the center of the New Urban Agenda,’” said Chris Vincent, vice president for Government Relations and Advocacy at Habitat for Humanity International.

“To succeed, the New Urban Agenda must promote community-led development, prioritize security of tenure, emphasize adequate and affordable housing’s role in creating sustainable cities and set specific and accountable measures. We are pleased by the inclusion of robust language on the first three factors and look forward to working with the Bureau to strengthen the document over the next few months. A focused, forward-looking and action-oriented outcome from the Habitat III conference is critical to the world’s shared future.”

While progress has been made, the world’s ability to meet the housing needs of the global urban population is currently outpaced by the rate of urbanization. Through the New Urban Agenda, Habitat III can address this need and support ending global poverty, but only if the outcome document includes detailed and measurable commitments that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and account for ongoing growth of cities. While the zero draft outlines specific commitments and approaches required to catalyze a more sustainable urban future, subsequent versions must include targets and outline measures to enhance accountability.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that safe and affordable housing provides a path out of poverty, since 1976 Habitat has helped more than 5 million people through home construction, rehabilitation and repairs and by increasing access to improved shelter through products and services. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and offers a variety of housing support services that enable families with limited means to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitatlatino.org