Registration for this event is now closed!
The World Bank Group will hold its 8th Global Housing Finance Conference on May 30 - June 1, 2018. The theme of the conference is “Breaking the Mold – New Ideas for Financing Affordable Housing” and we will explore innovative ideas around the role housing finance can play in ensuring access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing. Preconference sessions and a site visit are planned for May 29, 2018.
The theme for the 2018 Conference is “Breaking the Mold – New Ideas for Financing Affordable Housing”. The conference will not only create awareness of the major challenges in developing or strengthening housing finance markets but will also focus squarely on solutions and resolution of these challenges by highlighting innovations, new ideas and global experiences in the sector.
The Global Housing Finance conference is an opportunity for policy makers, practitioners, NGOs and donors to gather, exchange views, learn about latest developments and to network.
The registration fee is US$1,000 per person, and covers all course materials, admission to seminar sessions and social events. Travel, accommodation, and other expenses are not included, and are the responsibility of each participant.
This year, the conference will take place over 2.5 days, in addition to preconference sessions scheduled for May 29, 2018. Preconference sessions are smaller, simultaneous sessions that provide an opportunity to delve deeper into selected topics and facilitate a broader discussion.
Agenda & Presentations (pdf)
Last updated - June 8, 2018
What can technology do for you? – What are the latest technological innovations helping emerging market economies leap ahead and expand access? Ever wondered what the potential of new ideas such as block-chain are in improving mortgage lending processes? What are the latest business models in mortgage funding? How can technology help in underwriting borrowers with informal income?
Smart, innovative policies for enhanced results in affordable housing – In an age of austerity and fiscal constraints, what role can government policies play in enabling a creative innovative environment where a housing finance system can flourish? Housing for all by 2030 is an achievable goal, but only through concerted and coordinated efforts by all stakeholders. What policies are being implemented to finance upgrading of informal settlements? How can subsidies create a smart incentive structure for the market to serve those on lower incomes? What can governments do to catalyze and crowd in financing for affordable housing developments?
Innovative financing for greener housing – Reducing the environmental footprint of housing without sacrificing affordability or design is critical for new developments. What role can finance play in creating the right incentives for adopting new technologies, materials and practices? Green Mortgages, Green Bonds and sustainable green design will all be covered during the conference.
...and back by popular demand – Speed Dating Housing Finance Projects – which gives exposure to different projects going on in the housing finance space.
Call for Papers on Housing Finance is now closed.
Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals focuses on sustainable cities and communities and the World Bank Group is seeking submissions of original, innovative and data-driven ideas on how to make this goal a reality, particularly the role housing finance can play in ensuring access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing.
The biennial Global Housing Finance Conference, hosted by the World Bank Group, is the foremost global event for housing finance. The next conference (the 8th in the series) will take place in Washington, DC on May 30 – June 1, 2018. The author(s) of the final selected paper(s) will be invited to present their ideas at the conference and their papers will be published on select platforms. In parallel, the producers/original content providers of the selected media submissions will have their short videos broadcast throughout the conference. All hotel and travel expenses of the winning submissions will be covered by the World Bank.
Themes
The overarching theme for your submission should be around innovation and transformation in the housing finance system. The selection committee would like to see original and innovative thinking around the topics below that can take us a step further toward reaching the 2030 Goal. Submissions with a gender or climate focus are highly encouraged.
1. Housing Finance Policy Reforms
2. Affordable Housing Solutions: lending to low-income and informal sector groups
3. Housing finance solutions for the displaced and/or in fragile and conflict environments
4. Technological/Digital solutions to catalyze results
5. Housing Microfinance
Parallel Call for Papers
As earlier indicated, there will be a parallel call – one focused on paper submissions and the second on media. The media submissions should be original short videos or documentaries that demonstrate the impact of some of these innovative housing finance solutions in actual communities. Recycled videos used on other platforms will not be accepted.
Eligibility
The call is open to staff of multilateral development banks (not including the World Bank Group), housing finance practitioners, academia, donor organizations and non-profit organizations.
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated on technical quality and relevance and should be based on the following criteria:
· Innovative approach should be essential to applicability
· Highlight technological advancements
· Evidence-based
· Potential for Impact
· Potential for replicability across countries
Submission Process and Guidelines
· Send your abstracts (PDF) of max. 500 words, including proposed title, author(s) name(s) and contact information to: housingfinance@worldbank.org. The deadline for receiving abstracts is December 11, 2017.
· Abstracts will be reviewed by the selection committee and authors of approved abstracts will be notified by January 16, 2017 and asked to proceed in developing their full paper/media submission.
· Full paper submissions are not to exceed 30 pages (Font: Times New Roman, 12pt, justified; not including annexes).
· Media submissions are not to exceed 10 minutes of video.
· Full paper submissions must be sent as a Word document via email to housingfinance@worldbank.org by 5:00 PM (EST) on March 16, 2018
· A Panel of Judges will rigorously review the full paper submissions and notify the authors/producers of the selected papers/media by April 18, 2018
· Authors/Producers of the selected papers/media will be asked to further refine their submissions and either prepare to make a presentation at the Global Conference or to showcase their videos.
· The deadline for final submissions is May 8, 2018.
Panel of Judges and Review Process
A Panel of 5 senior housing finance practitioners will review submissions and will make final selections. Reviews will be based on a scoring system and judges will convene to discuss selections. Submissions will be anonymized before being reviewed by the judges to avoid any biases.
Prizes
· Opportunity to present your paper/media content at the 8th Global Housing Finance Conference in Washington, DC (all travel costs covered)
· Publication of a summary of your paper in the International Union for Housing Finance Journal and/or on the World Bank’s website
Important dates to note:
· Deadline for sending abstracts: December 13, 2017
· Notification of approved abstracts: January 16, 2017
· Full paper/media submission: March 16, 2018
· Notification to winners: April 18, 2018
· Final submission: May 8, 2018
· Global Conference: May 30 – June 1, 2018
Please send any questions to housingfinance@worldbank.org
Hotels
Please note that there are no room blocks available for this conference. Below are several hotels close to the conference venue. Please book early, as May/June is a busy time for hotels in the Washington, D.C. area.
Concordia: 202-557-2000
Dupont Circle Hotel: 202-483-6000
Georgetown Suites: 202-298-7800
Melrose Hotel: 202-955-6400
Lombardy: 202-828-2600
Palomar: 202-448-1800
State Plaza: 202-861-8200
Club Quarters: 202-463-6400
One Washington Circle Hotel: 202- 872-1680
