The Hilti Foundation, a charitable organization established in 1996 under its guiding principle “We build a better future” expressed its interest to collaborate with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in undertaking projects related to sustainable, disaster-resilient, and cost-effective solutions for community development.
The Foundation supports activities and projects in the areas of affordable housing, community development, culture, disaster relief, education, and social entrepreneurship with an aim of empowering people to lead an independent life in self-determination.
In line with the Foundation’s objective, Hilti joined forces with UNESCAP, the regional development arm of the United Nations for the Asia-Pacific region, to research and implement successful approaches for the introduction of affordable, eco-efficient, and disaster-resilient materials and housing concepts in urban contexts of Asia and the Pacific. Together, they have identified the Philippines as the pilot country.
This pilot project will provide environmental friendly and affordable housing to urban poor in the Philippines and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the poor. This initiative will also potentially introduce new income sources for organizations and individuals engaged in community-driven development.
Hilti Foundation Housing Initiative General Manager Cecil Benavidez and Hilti Foundation Technical Project Manager Corinna Elaine Salzer met with Dr. Naveed Anwar, Executive Director of AIT Consulting in Manila to discuss possibilities of partnership between Hilti and AIT as both organizations share a common goal to promote sustainability in a modern society. AIT Consulting’s team is currently working with UNESCAP in another project related to incorporating resilience in Philippine building code for the schools sector in particular. A follow up meeting between two organizations will be scheduled in the coming months to start developing a collaborative model.
