2nd Asia-Pacific Housing Forum slated in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Building on the success of the inaugural meeting, Habitat for Humanity International is organizing the 2nd Asia-Pacific Housing Forum, in cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, to be held at the Dusit Thani Manila Hotel in Makati City on Sept. 7-9, 2009.

This year’s forum revolves around the theme, “Maximizing Urban Poverty Housing Solutions for Greater Results.” It gathers major stakeholders from the social, private and public sectors, academe and international organizations to share best practices, solutions and resource needs for the large and growing number of people living in substandard housing environments. The forum further presents opportunities for forging joint partnerships in housing projects, as potential sources of housing finance, cost efficient technologies, and social entrepreneurs are brought together by this event.

Internationally acclaimed speakers and leading experts in housing concerns to share insights at the forum, including: Dr. Nicolas P. Retsinas, Joint Center for Housing Studies, Harvard University, with a plenary presentation on “Housing Policy: How to Meet the Needs of the Poor”; Bruce Ferguson, former Urban Economist of the World Bank (and member of the Advisory Board of Global Urban Development, on the plenary topic “A Value Chain Approach to Affordable Housing: The Key to Massive Scale”; Graham Saunders, Head, Shelter Department, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva, Switzerland, to speak on “Linking Disaster Response with Sustainable Development”; Huub Cornelissen, Director on Energy and Housing, The Netherlands Development Finance Company, to present the organization’s initiatives in housing finance for the poor; and Deputy Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on the BSP’s role in supporting housing microfinance in the banking sector.

Vice President Noli de Castro, who is also the chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, will be the guest of honor and will deliver the keynote address.

The three-day forum is structured in a manner to maximize dialogue, interaction and networking among participants. The forum’s plenary sessions and discussion groups will focus on the following themes: (1) Innovations in Housing the Urban Poor; (2) Disaster Response: Rethinking Emergencies; (3) UNESCAP Quick Guides on Housing the Poor; and (4) Leaders of Tomorrow Meet Leaders of Today.

A unique feature of the forum is the opportunity for student leaders from all over Asia and the Pacific to study housing issues and discuss ideas and solutions with forum speakers and housing specialists. Speakers such as Hennie Botes of Moladi and George Modrovic of ELFI Wall System will also be present to discuss efficient housing technologies.

Housing developers, microfinance institutions, local governments, and academics are encouraged to attend the 2nd Asia-Pacific Housing Forum. For more information and for online registration, log on to http://www.aphousingforum.org. You may also contact the secretariat at [email protected] or at (632) 897 3356 or 897 3069 loc. 107.