The World Habitat Awards were established in 1985 by the Building and Social Housing Foundation[1] as part of its contribution to the United Nations' International Year of Shelter for the Homeless in 1987.
[2][3] Two awards are given annually to projects from the Global South as well as the North that provide practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to current housing needs,[3] which are capable of being transferred or adapted for use elsewhere.
[1] Entries to the Awards are encouraged from housing projects and programmes that: include: income generation; social inclusion; community and individual empowerment; health benefits; capacity building and or education.