Access to Affordable, Dignified and Sustainable Housing - SMEs address global challenge
TOPIC AREAS
G-20 SME Finance Challenge Overview
| Covering the G-20’s major new economic initiative with a focus on housing Today an estimated one billion people live in slums. Two billion lack access to electrical power, largely as a result of inadequate planning, poor policies, market failures, and gaps in government capacity. Though public institutions and governments recognize the universal need for adequate housing, in many cases it is local businesses that can most effectively provide solutions. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are an important resource to help communities keep up with demand for housing construction, and improve water, sanitation, electricity, and transportation infrastructure. The G-20 member countries recognize the importance of identifying innovative public-private financial models promoting the scalability and sustainability of (SMEs) working to tackle these global challenges. The G-20 SME Finance Challenge, which seeks the best ideas for unlocking the financing to ensure the growth and success of SMEs, demonstrates a commitment to poverty alleviation. Across the world, social entrepreneurs and SMEs are spearheading the identification of innovative solutions to ensure access to affordable, dignified and sustainable housing for the poorest of the poor.
Here are some potential angles and interviews for unique, interesting coverage of sustainable housing: Small investments in infrastructure have a multiplier effect in the community – Poor housing and living conditions in low-income districts exacerbates urban poverty. Businesses that tackle them bit-by-bit see broad improvements.
Skills training in construction leads not only to housing and job creation but also to independence and civic engagement – Housing is but one of the interconnected challenges facing impoverished populations. Models that see beyond the single outcome of getting people off the street have a broader and deeper impact that benefits individuals and the entire community.
Civic rights must be protected to ensure the vitality and sustainability of urban communities – Ensuring tenant rights through education, advocacy, and improved living conditions creates a better, more just society.
This is just a small fraction of the resources available through Ashoka and Changemakers. For further information and to access our global community of over 140,000 changemakers around the world, please contact: Sarah Mintz Community Manager 703.600.8204 Josh Middleman Community Mobilizer 202.450.5452
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| Attachment | Size |
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| g20_interview_leads-_housing.pdf | 1.01 MB |
