More than 700 million people currently live in poverty in Asia-Pacific; a further 700 million people in the region will need a decent home by 2030
Hong Kong, 15 October 2014: Experts from across the world meet in Hong Kong on 16 October for a roundtable discussion to share experience and best practice in tackling inadequate housing in Asia-Pacific. This is followed by a gala dinner, where individuals and companies will add their support to Habitat for Humanity initiatives in the region.
“Substandard shelter is a huge, and growing, problem in Asia-Pacific. Millions of people go to bed every night in houses with weak walls, broken roofs, feeling unsafe and without hope. Habitat for Humanity is committed to impacting these lives. A decent home provides a way out of poverty.”
“At the roundtable and gala dinner events in Hong Kong, experts and donors are coming together to help create a world where everyone has a decent place to live,” said Rick Hathaway, Habitat for Humanity vice president for Asia-Pacific.
Among the experts at the roundtable discussion are Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman, Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Dr. Narayan Khadka, Nepal’s Minister of Urban Development. A new report, to be presented at the event, details future trends affecting the housing sector and examines both challenges and opportunities to ensuring safe, decent, affordable homes.
Compering the gala dinner are Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005, and Santosh Shah, the founder and president of Today’s Youth Asia, a Kathmandu-based development organization. Entertainment will be provided by Indonesian singer Vanessa TM and Dr. Lung Heung-Wing, Artistic Director of the Hong Kong Percussion Center.
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Contact:
Heron Holloway
+66 991 657 299
hholloway@habitat.org
Andy Chong
+852 9252 8217
andy.chong@habitatchina.org
- Published & Distributed via AsiaToday.com