BELEM, Brazil (Nov. 11, 2025) — Habitat for Humanity International examined the Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC, of 188 countries — which spell out a nation’s public pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts, outlining specific targets and actions to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Overwhelmingly, these NDCs include minimal or no reference to housing despite the built environment contributing significantly to carbon emissions. 

A new report, Climate Action through Housing and Informal Settlements, released today by Habitat, finds in addition to the lack of commitment to housing, only 11 NDCs reviewed mention informal settlements or slums as a national issue, despite these areas being home to more than 1 billion people.  

Misalignment between commitments and financing is also evident: Countries with strong NDC commitments to housing, such as the Bahamas and Benin, received negligible support through climate-related development finance, while some major recipients of climate finance show weak housing commitments. Costa Rica is a notable exception, aligning both high commitments and high levels of climate-related development finance. Across all regions, financing for informal settlements and slum upgrading remains extremely limited, with only 7% of climate-related development finance directed toward incremental forms of housing. 

The report findings reveal that communities most at risk to the threats of climate change, particularly those in informal settlements, remain underprioritized in both climate policy commitments and development finance.  

“The findings in this report are alarming but unfortunately not surprising,” said Patrick Canagasingham, chief operating officer at Habitat for Humanity International. “Time and time again, we see that those living in informal settlements who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change are the least supported when it comes to policy and development finance. Habitat for Humanity calls on governments to integrate housing into their NDCs to help ensure climate resilience and security for vulnerable communities around the world.“ 

Key recommendations for policymakers  

To foster climate resilience and emission reductions through housing, Habitat for Humanity urges countries to take action in their upcoming NDC updates. The report highlights several key recommendations, including:  

Governments must integrate housing and informal settlement transformation into NDCs, adaptation plans and disaster risk reduction frameworks, establishing measurable targets and prioritizing locally led interventions. 

Donors and multilaterals should treat housing as a strategic, high-impact investment to achieve climate resilience, scaling proven approaches, improving visibility of development finance toward housing, and aligning support with national climate ambitions. 

Civil society organizations need to play a critical role in monitoring commitments, advocating for inclusive and resilient solutions through housing, and amplifying community-led initiatives that strengthen housing, livelihoods and climate resilience. 

Encouragingly in the report, of the 20 countries that submitted updated NDCs by mid-2025, 16 increased housing-related references, with some adding new commitments on informal settlements and social housing.  

For more information on Habitat for Humanity’s report, Climate Action through Housing and Informal Settlements, or COP 30, please visit habitat.org/Habitat-COP30. 

About Habitat for Humanity    

Habitat for Humanity is a movement of people in your local area and around the world, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home.  

Since our founding in 1976 as a Christian organization, together we have helped more than 62 million people globally build their futures on their own terms through access to decent housing. We’ve done that by working alongside people of all walks of life to build, repair and finance their homes, by innovating new ways of building and financing, and by advocating for policies that make constructing and accessing housing easier for everyone. 

Together, we build homes, communities and hope. 

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Gresik, November 7, 2025 – In an effort to strengthen the role of rural youth as agents of change in the digital era, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in collaboration with the Department of Communication Science, Faculty of Humanities and Creative Industry, Petra Christian University (UK Petra), held a training program titled Empowering Youth Organizations in Managing Information Based on Local Potential through Social Media in Campurejo Village, Panceng District, Gresik Regency, East Java. 

The event was attended by 20 members of the Campurejo Village Karang Taruna (Youth Organization) and forms part of the Home Equals Habitat for Humanity Project, which focuses on enhancing community capacity in managing public communication and information based on local potential. 

As a youth organization, Karang Taruna plays a strategic role in developing local potential across social, cultural, and economic sectors. However, the challenges of the digital era highlight the need to strengthen skills in effectively utilizing social media. Through this activity, young people were encouraged to creatively and strategically use social media as a tool for local promotion and branding. 

The main speaker, Dr. Inri Inggrit Indrayani, M.Si, Lecturer and Head of Strategic Communication Studies at the Department of Communication Science, UK Petra, together with her team — Vanessa Febriani, Devina Aurelia Cokro, Hendrawan Surya Wijaya, and Michael Juan Ivander Widiarto — provided training on digital communication strategies, creative writing, and content production based on local potential. 

Read also: Youth Pledge Spirit Resonates Through Real Action at 28UILD 2025

The training program was carried out in four phases: preparation and coordination, basic training, implementation, and evaluation for sustainability. In the initial phase, Habitat for Humanity and UK Petra teams coordinated with local government officials and community leaders to map out local potential that could be developed into digital content. Participants then received training on managing social media accounts aimed at promoting the village’s unique features, including local MSME products, cultural activities, and tourism attractions. 

Dr. Inri explained that improving digital capacity among rural youth is a key step toward fostering independence and community-based development. 

“We want young people to understand that social media can serve as a strategic tool to build a positive image of their community, not just a place for daily sharing. With strong digital skills, they can actively promote local potential, expand networks, and inspire a wider audience,” she said. 

Through this activity, Karang Taruna members are expected to consistently and creatively manage the village’s official social media accounts. These platforms will serve as the main channels for spreading positive information and encouraging community participation in local development. 

The program also aims to build confidence and a sense of pride among the youth of Campurejo Village in their own local potential. Strengthening digital literacy marks an important step toward creating a more empowered and adaptive village community, equipped with a strong digital identity in the modern era. 

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Jakarta, October 25, 2025 – In celebration of Indonesia’s Youth Pledge Day, 400 young Indonesians demonstrated their unity and commitment through real action—building decent homes alongside Habitat for Humanity Indonesia in the 28UILD 2025 event.

Since its declaration on October 28, 1928, the Youth Pledge has stood as a symbol of young Indonesians’ determination to advance the nation. Today, that same spirit lives on through the hands of youth working together to build homes for low-income families—a tangible expression of compassion and solidarity amid Indonesia’s housing backlog, which still exceeds 12 million units.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia believes that youth participation is key to creating real change. Through 28UILD, they are not only building walls and foundations but also nurturing hope, solidarity, and humanity.

This year, 28UILD 2025 took place simultaneously in Tangerang, Yogyakarta, and Gresik on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Hundreds of young volunteers took part directly in the construction work—from laying bricks and painting walls to forming foundations. Under the scorching sun, their spirits remained high, filled with laughter, warm conversations, and pride in contributing to the community.

Read also: Commemorating Youth Pledge Day, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia Launches 28UILD 2024 to Inspire Youth Action for a Better Indonesia

In addition to house construction, the event also featured a creative competition with a total prize pool of IDR 16 million, covering T-shirt design, chants, jingles, and activity coverage. Through these contests, young people were encouraged to channel their ideas, energy, and creativity positively to amplify the message of decent housing for all.

The event also received support from various Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and public figures who inspired youth to take action, including Han Chandra, Josh Kunze, and the Act of Love community founded by Cinta Laura. Their presence reinforced the message that social concern is not just a concept—it is a true calling for every young Indonesian.

“Youth are the nation’s hope and have proven throughout history to be the drivers of change in Indonesia,” said Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. “Through 28UILD, we invite young people to keep dreaming boldly and acting courageously to help build a better Indonesia. We hope more youth will embody the spirit of the Youth Pledge through real action to end housing poverty for vulnerable families across the nation.”

The 28UILD 2025 initiative was made possible through the collaboration of partners who share a belief in the power of unity to build the nation, including Daily Box, Kapal Api Group, BUMA, Orang Tua Group, Gebacken, Delami (Executive), PT Trikemindo Utama, Brawijaya Hospital, Pepsico, L’Oréal, Aplus, PT Avia Avian Tbk, Smart Tools, Flow, Superbank, Rentokil, WRP, Karsa, Heritage, TRAC, The Southern Hotel, and Bima Bissaloy.

The success of 28UILD 2025 stands as proof that the spirit of the Youth Pledge continues to burn brightly in the hearts of Indonesia’s young generation. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia will continue to keep that flame alive—empowering more youth to build homes, nurture hope, and create a more decent place to live for all Indonesians.

Writer: Syefira Salsabilla

Photo/Video: HFHI/Budi Ariyanto & Kevin Herbian

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Tangerang, October 9, 2025 – The Tanjung Kait Village Revitalization Program has now entered its final phase. A total of 110 new decent homes built for residents are currently undergoing painting and finishing work as part of the project’s completion stage. In addition, the construction of supporting infrastructure such as a community health post (posyandu), community hall, fish collection center, electricity network, drainage system, and clean water facilities is also progressing in parallel. 

As part of efforts to ensure the sustainability of the program, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has facilitated a community capacity-building and socialization program, held from September 22, 2025, for four weeks at Co Su Kong Temple, Tanjung Kait, Tangerang Regency. 

This initiative was designed as a community-managed system to ensure that the maintenance and management of revitalized facilities are carried out sustainably, inclusively, and transparently, while also fostering residents’ self-reliance. Through this forum, more than 30 community representatives from Tanjung Kait discussed various local environmental issues, including household waste management, drainage maintenance, and the use of public facilities. 

Read also: A Decent Home Becomes the Pillar of Life for Ibu Imas and Her Family

“Village revitalization doesn’t stop at building houses and infrastructure—it’s also about building awareness and community self-reliance. That’s how sustainability can be achieved,” explained Wijang Wijanarko, facilitator and housing and settlement consultant, during one of the sessions. 

The activity aims to establish a clear framework, roles, and coordination mechanisms for residents in managing their village; to ensure active participation in infrastructure maintenance; and to form a community-based management body, known as the Community Management Committee. 

The agenda was carried out in stages. During the first week, residents, community leaders, and village officials held a program orientation and formed an Environmental Management Team. In the following week, participants attended training sessions on environmental management and institutional administration, followed by the formulation of community regulations. The next phase focused on developing follow-up work plans, covering infrastructure maintenance, public facility management, and community financial mechanisms. The entire series of activities will conclude with a plenary meeting and symbolic handover ceremony in mid-October. 

Through this approach, residents are not only beneficiaries but also key actors in maintaining and advancing their community. With the completion of the final construction phase and the community capacity-building program, Tanjung Kait Village is expected to become a model of best practices for coastal area transformation toward a more livable, healthy, and empowered environment. 

Photo: HFHI/Kevin Herbian

Writer: Kevin Herbian

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Tangerang, September 3, 2025 – Kakaobank has once again partnered with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia in the program titled “2025 Kakaobank Connect Village: ICT Education, Quality of Education, and Access to Technology.” This initiative aims to improve the quality of education and access to technology in the Rajeg District, Tangerang Regency, while also supporting the construction of decent homes for low-income families.

A total of around 50 volunteers from Kakaobank Korea and Superbank Indonesia actively participated in the three-day program, held from September 1 to 3, 2025. The program successfully built 17 decent homes and established an educational facility in the form of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Laboratory at SMP Bhakti Pertiwi. The lab is equipped with 21 new computers, supporting e-learning activities and the development of students’ digital skills.

Rajeg District faces significant economic challenges. Among the five villages designated as extreme poverty zones, three were prioritized for poverty alleviation programs. Many students from low-income families live in homes that do not adequately support their growth and development, affecting both their physical well-being and their ability to focus on education. This program addresses the real challenges faced by children from low-income families, particularly those with special needs or limited access to digital education.

Read also: Kakaobank with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia: Enhancing the Quality of Education in Mauk

Hayden Shin, Corporate Support Group/Head of Group Executive Vice President Kakaobank Korea stated, “We are proud to contribute to enhancing educational and technological access for children in Rajeg. Through this collaboration, we hope to create a better learning environment and support the growth of children from underprivileged families.”

Handoko Ngadiman, National Director at Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, added, “This collaboration demonstrates the importance of synergy between the private sector and humanitarian organizations. In addition to providing decent housing, the ICT laboratory will enhance the quality of education at SMP Bhakti Pertiwi, giving students adequate access to technology and supporting modern learning.”

The 2025 Kakaobank Connect Village program serves as a tangible demonstration of Kakaobank’s commitment to supporting education and community well-being, while reinforcing Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s efforts to provide decent housing and adequate educational facilities for low-income communities in Rajeg.

Watch the video to see how KakaoBank Korea volunteers helped build decent homes and made a real impact on the community.

Writer: Syefira Salsabilla

Photo: HFHI/Kevin Herbian

Video: HFHI/Budi Ariyanto

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Cilegon, August 14, 2025 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, together with POSCO and KRAKATAU POSCO, has once again joined hands for the “2025 POSCO 1% Foundation Echo Village” program, held from August 10–14, 2025, in the Ciwandan and Citangkil sub-districts of Cilegon City. A total of 44 participants—comprising 24 POSCO Korea volunteers and 20 staff members from PT Krakatau POSCO—took part in the initiative. This program is part of a long-standing collaboration spanning over a decade between POSCO and Habitat for Humanity, aimed at improving the quality of life for low-income communities.

The 2025 activities focused on building six environmentally friendly homes for low-income families in Kubangsari, Tegal Ratu, and Samangraya. These houses feature eco-brick walls made from recycled plastic waste, rainwater harvesting systems, and septic tanks with soak pits for safe sanitation. The designs meet the Ministry of Public Works and Housing’s standards for decent housing, as well as the Ministry of Health’s healthy home indicators—ensuring structural safety, proper ventilation, natural lighting, and adequate space for family privacy.

Beyond home construction, the program also included school facility renovations, Healthy Home and Building Back Safer (BBS) training for 50 participants, and disaster preparedness initiatives in Samangraya. This involved training 50 members of Urban Disaster Preparedness Team (TSBK) and supporting the community’s application for the official “Disaster-Resilient Urban Village” (KALTANA) status with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). Achieving this status would open access to official resources, funding, and support, while empowering residents to better anticipate and respond to future risks.

The program concluded on August 14, 2025, with a key handover ceremony and the presentation of a framed certificate as a symbolic gesture of delivering the house to the beneficiary family. The ceremony was followed by a traditional pencak silat performance by the local community and a dance performance presented by volunteers from Korea.

Read also: Beyond Borders: POSCO and Habitat for Humanity Collaborate to Build a Better Future

Deputy Mayor of Cilegon, Fajar Hadi Prabowo, expressed his appreciation for this collaboration. “We would like to thank POSCO and Habitat for Humanity for the decent housing construction program for the people of Cilegon. This program is align with the government’s initiatives. We hope Cilegon can follow in the footsteps of POSCO and Habitat to build more decent houses for the people of Cilegon,” he said.

Abraham Tulung, General Manager of Resource Development at Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, expressed his gratitude to POSCO, “We deeply appreciate our long-standing partnership with POSCO. Through this collaboration, countless families have experienced real, tangible change in their lives. We hope this partnership continues and inspires more people to join us in building safe and healthy homes.”

The 2025 POSCO 1% Foundation Echo Village program is proof that cross-border collaboration can create meaningful change. With a shared spirit of solidarity and compassion, this initiative has sown optimism for the future of families in Cilegon—turning Habitat for Humanity’s vision of ‘a world where everyone has a decent place to live’ into a reality.

Watch the video to see how POSCO volunteers helped build decent homes and made a real impact on the community.

Writer: Syefira Salsabilla

Photo: HFHI/Kevin Herbian

Video: HFHI/Budi Ariyanto

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Yogyakarta, 2 August 2025 – Behind the green hills of Nglipar, Gunungkidul, lies the true story of the Pengkol Village community’s struggle against drought. Every drop of clean water is precious—not just for daily needs, but also as the first line of defense to protect the health of families and the future of their children. 

However, water isn’t just about availability. It’s also about awareness, knowledge, and real action. This was the spirit of the event titled “Clean Water, Healthy Lives: Together We Protect Water for Nglipar’s Future” on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Over 200 residents, from children and housewives to community leaders and youth organization members, gathered at the Pengkol Village Hall to participate in a series of educational, interactive, and fun activities. 

The morning began with a Germas exercise that sparked enthusiasm and served as a reminder that a healthy body starts with small movements. The children were excited to participate in a hygiene-themed coloring contest, while adults were invited to explore learning booths on clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS), such as managing clean water and practicing proper handwashing. 

Each booth was presented in an easy-to-understand way, complete with interactive games and entertaining quizzes. Not only did participants gain knowledge, but those who completed the quizzes also received a hygiene kit as a token of appreciation. 

Read also: Habitat for Humanity Indonesia Brings Clean Water Access to Gunung Kidul

Ibu Tini, a manager of the Pengkol Village Balai Pintar Library, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, “Today’s activities were so much fun. The kids were all happy to join the coloring contest and listen to stories, and the mothers and fathers were happy to participate in the PHBS booth quizzes and get hygiene kits as prizes. I hope Habitat can continue to hold beneficial events like this for the community, especially for Pengkol Village.” 

This event wasn’t just about education. It was a shared space to build new habits, foster a sense of care, and grow a collective awareness: clean water is everyone’s responsibility, clean and healthy living can start at home, and big changes always begin with small steps. 

“In the village, we often don’t wash our hands properly, we just rub them together. But from this event, we were reminded how to wash our hands correctly so we can avoid diseases,” said Ibu Masikem, a Pengkol Village resident. 

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia collaborated with community leaders, volunteers, and local communities to ensure this event had a real impact. This included efforts to find local leaders who could become WASH Champions, agents of change from within their own communities. Because we believe a decent home, clean water, and a healthy environment are everyone’s right. 

From one small village, we can ignite great inspiration. From one small step, we can create a cleaner and healthier future for generations today and tomorrow. 

Writer: Syefira Salsabilla

Foto: HFHI/Patrik Cahyo

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