From our World President to the FIABCI Community

Jan 27, 2019 Latest News

Dear FIABCI Community:

The first report of The Affordable Metropolis Initiative was published: A Global Dialogue on Affordable Housing: Policy, Finance, Technology and Shelters. The Affordable Metropolis Initiative is a voluntary joint effort by FIABCI and the Grand Paris Alliance for Metropolitan Development and the UN Habitat General Assembly of Partners General Assembly of Partners (GAP), which brings together policy makers, experts, government representatives, civic groups, urban planners, bankers, brokers, investors and others — from all continents — to explore solutions related to urban inequalities and the role of housing as a driver for social, economic and environmental sustainability.

The Initiative supports the implementation of the Habitat III New Urban Agenda and realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Agenda 2030. Danielle Grossenbacher, 2015-16 FIABCI World President, leads this Initiative, together with Nicolas J.A. Buchoud, President of the Grand Paris Alliance/GAP.

This first report highlights solutions gathered from, among other sources, FIABCI’s 2016 World Urban campaign, “The City We Need is Affordable,” and the subsequent annual publication of affordable and workforce housing solutions. The 2019 edition will launch in conjunction with our 2019 FIABCI World Congress in May.

The general theme of the 2019 edition is “Building Communities.” Policy, finance, technology and shelters will be the topics. The annual identification and publication of best-practice housing solutions is no small effort. The team working to produce this publication is currently seeking projects and sponsors. The deadline for both is March 15. If you have not seen the past editions, download them from the FIABCI website.

Continued extraordinary population growth and urbanization demand solutions from the private sector. Today, 235 million urban households live in substandard housing. By 2025, it is estimated that 106 million low-income households will face housing affordability issues, affecting 1.6 billion people. That number represents one-third of the world’s urban population!

As the world’s most representative organization of the real estate industry, it is fitting that FIABCI have a strong voice on this important topic. Sustainable development requires that real estate professionals respond to the needs of the world’s growing population — building and supporting communities that include housing for everyone. By publishing successful solutions from around the world, FIABCI makes its voice heard — showcasing creative initiatives that inspire professionals to do more, faster and better. If you’re interested in submitting a project or being a sponsor for the 2019 edition of “The City We Needs is Affordable,” contact Bill Endsley, FIABCI Research & Education Specialist, at bill.e@sbcglobal.net.

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MIPIM 2019

I hope you’ve acted on our “Save the Date” notice for the March 11 FIABCI Gala Dinner that will take place in Cannes, France in conjunction with the 2019 MIPIM event. MIPIM is one of the world’s premier real estate events, bringing together influential players from all sectors of the property industry for four days of networking, learning and transaction through events, conferences and dedicated exhibition zones.

FIABCI is proud to host one of the largest dedicated exhibition zones — 154 sq. meter pavilion encompassing a reception and conference hall, regional meeting points and space for our global partners — communicating our worldwide presence.

Our three-day program includes high-profile speakers representing the World Urban Forum, UN-Habitat, MIPIM Awards and the Occupiers’ Summit and wraps up each day with a networking reception. FIABCI’s partnership with the event organizers deliver significant benefits to all FIABCI members and provides an excellent opportunity to pursue business opportunities worldwide. I hope you will take advantage of these benefits and join us in March in Cannes for MIPIM.

Assen Makedonov
FIABCI World President 2018-19