Urban Think Tank Empower (UTTE), a South African non-profit dedicated to addressing the country’s affordable housing challenges, made a groundbreaking presentation at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2024, held in New York City on 23 and 24 September. UTTE’s inclusion at this prestigious global event highlights the international recognition of its innovative Empower Upgrade Model, which takes a holistic approach to housing by integrating infrastructure, energy access, food security, social amenities, and economic opportunities into the communities it serves.

The CGI, an annual gathering of global leaders, is renowned for catalysing actionable solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. UTTE’s invitation to present their Empower Upgrade Model on such a stage represents a significant milestone not just for the organisation but for the broader conversation around housing as a human right. South Africa’s housing crisis, marked by a backlog of over 1.5 million homes, leaves millions living in informal settlements with limited access to essential services. The Empower Upgrade Model directly tackles these challenges by transforming land within informal settlements into sustainable, empowering, community-led developments.

A Global Platform, a Local Solution

Reflecting on the significance of UTTE’s participation, Delana Finlayson, Managing Director of UTTE, said: “Our participation at the Clinton Global Initiative was not just an opportunity to showcase our work but a reminder of the global nature of housing insecurity.” She emphasised that the global housing crisis affects both resource-rich countries like the US and developing nations like South Africa, making community-driven, sustainable solutions essential worldwide.

One of the event's key moments was a comment by fellow CGI participant Suyen Barahona, stating that governments must stop implementing "poor solutions for poor people." This resonated deeply with Finlayson, who reflected on South Africa’s Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing projects, highlighting the need for housing solutions rooted in dignity and empowerment. UTTE’s model focuses on creating holistic communities, rather than simply building houses.

Expanding Horizons and Building Partnerships

During the event, UTTE’s interactive display garnered significant interest from international delegates. US Secretary of Housing Adrienne Todman praised UTTE’s approach, with Finlayson noting, “Her team expressed that they could learn a lot from our model, which was a huge affirmation for us.” UTTE also attracted interest from representatives in Haiti and other global organisations looking to adapt the Empower Upgrade Model to their own housing needs, creating opportunities for future partnerships.

As UTTE continues to expand its model in South Africa, with plans to build 1,000 homes and create 7,000 jobs over the next five years, the insights and partnerships gained at CGI 2024 have bolstered the organisation’s resolve. The presentation underscored the importance of global collaboration in addressing the housing crisis and the potential for locally-developed solutions to have a global impact.

About Urban Think Tank Empower (UTTE)

Urban Think Tank Empower (UTTE) is the African subsidiary of Urban-Think Tank, based in Cape Town, South Africa. To date, UTTE has built 77 homes, housing 449 residents, alongside four commercial facilities, a community centre, an urban farm, and a public playground in Khayelitsha. Through these initiatives, approximately 350 jobs have been created, positively impacting over 1,400 individuals in the greater community. Over the next five years, UTTE aims to scale their Empower Upgrade Model, bringing dignity, opportunity, and community cohesion to South Africa’s most vulnerable.

About the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI)

Founded by President Bill Clinton in 2005, the Clinton Global Initiative brings together global leaders from various sectors to tackle pressing global challenges. Through CGI’s unique model, more than 10,000 organisations have launched over 4,000 Commitments to Action, impacting the lives of more than 500 million people in 180 countries.

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