Meet Jo Hayes, CEO Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong.
In this episode, Jo gives us an insight into her impactful work with Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong supporting and advocating for Sustainable Development Goal 11 and its 10 targets, with a particular focus on Target 11.1. – to ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums by 2030.
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In this episode, we highlight SDG 11 Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Habitat for Humanity is making sure that we are getting closer to reaching this goal.
1.6 billion people around the world live in substandard housing. Hong Kong is ranked as one of the world’s most expensive cities to live in and with 20 percent of the population living below the poverty line, COVID has exacerbated the needs of the most vulnerable groups in Hong Kong.
The pandemic has exposed the extreme inequalities in the housing market. This is not just a public health emergency; it is also a housing emergency.
Jo Hayes
Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong has been serving the local community in Hong Kong since 2004, because decent and affordable housing is a catalyst for pulling families out of a low- or no- income existence and breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
The impact that we have, through this program is instant, it’s immediate.
Jo Hayes
What is SDG 11 and why does it matter?
Throughout the process of developing and framing the SDGs, Habitat for Humanity, working with civil society organizations, local governments and other stakeholders contributed to the creation of SDG 11, specifically Target 11.1.
Habitat for Humanity advocated for the inclusion of adequate and affordable housing, including upgrading slums, as critical objectives in the SDGs.
Upon adoption of SDG 11, Habitat for Humanity has focused its attention on supporting and advocating for this goal and its 10 targets, with a particular focus on Target 11.1. Access to land for shelter is an integral component of achieving SDG 11.
Sustainable Development Goal No. 11 highlights the importance of housing to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable,” and 11.1 seeks to ‘ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and the upgrading of slums’.
“We can’t look at SDG 11 in isolation. Housing supports all 17 SDGs – especially 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 11. No poverty, good health and well-being, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy and of course sustainable cities and communities. But housing is also directly and indirectly linked to all the other goals such as 8 – access to decent work or 4 – quality education.”
Jo Hayes
Bold ambitons for impact
Jo Hayes has bold ambitions for the impact Habitat Hong Kong can have locally. By developing their position on public policy they will be able to increase their impact and influence systemic change.
I want us to have a seat at the table where we can amplify the voices of those living in substandard housing conditions and collectively contribute to a more inclusive Hong Kong, where everyone has access to decent and affordable housing. The housing crisis in Hong Kong is complex and that requires collaborative and creative solutions.
Jo Hayes
Listen in to find out how they are bringing their bold vision for impact to life.
Find all links mentioned in the episode here.
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