End of Year Appeal 2012

First, let me start by thanking you for being such a loyal supporter of our work.

As you know, I2UD is a driver of change and transformation in the cities and regions around the world where we work. Thanks to your support we are a member of the UN-Habitat Best Practices and Local Leadership Program; the United Nations Economic and Social Council, where we have Special Consultative Status as a non-governmental organization; the Cultural Heritage in Development Network; and the Microcredit Summit.

We incorporate the findings of our research on urban and regional growth management worldwide in our capacity building and technical assistance activities.  You can read more about our ongoing work at: http://i2ud.org/projects/. This unique combination has given us international recognition and an important role in international organizations that set the urban policy agenda.

Looking at 2013, we are seeking financial support for two important projects:

People to People Project in Cuba

Transformations are taking place in Cuba.  Legislation is being considered to progressively privatize property, including housing built by the state. We know from our experience in Poland, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria and Albania that the privatization of housing is not an easy task.

Following on the highly successful People to People study trip to Cuba we organized in 2012, we proposed to the Department of the Treasury that the Institute share its Eastern Europe and historical urban rehabilitation experience through a series of public lectures for Cuban academics and professionals, followed by a Q&A period. We will bring a limited number of US professionals with us who will participate in the discussion. In October, the US Department of the Treasury issued I2UD a two-year license to travel to Cuba for the continuation of our People to People activities.

We need funding to prepare the material that will be given to the participants, and cover the cost of conducting next year’s program. We are convinced that these People to People activities will accelerate the successful implementation of the privatization policies in Cuba and will make for a smooth transition for the affected families.

We need to raise $25,000 to share our knowledge pro bono to assist Cuban professionals addressing emerging housing and urban issues they are facing as part of the transition from a centrally planned to a more open economy.

Climate Change Initiative in Latin America and Africa

With 52% of the world’s population living in urbanized areas, environmental sustainability and the preservation of local ecosystems depend to a large extent on sustainable urbanization. An increasingly important challenge is the anticipated impact of climate change on poorer communities who tend to live in high risk areas. In Latin America, climate change is expected to aggravate both the severity of precipitation and the lengths of dry seasons, endangering poor communities’ dwellings and livelihoods. In Africa, informal settlers will bear the brunt of vulnerability to the effects of climate change but are typically not included in risk assessments and adaptation plans.

We need to raise $15,000 to pursue our efforts to increase the resilience of poor communities to the effects of climate change.

You have already made so much possible and, thanks to your help, we are able to share our knowledge and expertise with professionals in developing countries to urgently address new challenges.
The power is in your hands.  Please consider supporting us with your gift.