CO-CHAIRS

The two project ‘Ambassadors’, David Orr and Elena Szolgayova, will provide their wealth of experience to guide the writers of the final document and ensure that the text is clear, concise and mostly importantly, accessible to policymakers. They will also have a crucial role in representing the study in public fora and otherwise promoting the work of the #Housing2030 initiative.

DAVID ORR

David is a hugely experienced leader in both Executive and Non- Executive roles. He has over 30 years experience in Chief Executive roles, most recently at the National Housing Federation. He is Chair of Reall, an international development housing charity and is a previous President of Housing Europe. He is also Chair of ReSI Housing and has recently joined the boards of Clarion Housing Group and Clanmil HA. David is widely regarded as a compelling and inspiring public speaker focusing on the challenge of optimistic leadership and the critical importance of great governance. He has huge media experience, is a well-regarded commentator and blogger and has extensive expertise navigating the sometimes opaque world of politics and government. In June 2018 David was awarded a CBE.helping our organization grow and succeed.

ELENA SZOLGAYOVA

Dr. Elena Szolgayová, an architect and urban planner with long-standing research experience, since 2003 Director General, DG Housing Policy and Urban Development, Ministry of Transport and Construction, Slovakia. For over two decades participated in shaping the visions of the global, European, and national housing and urban policies, was one of those steering the process toward adoption of the Geneva UN Charter on sustainable housing. She participated in the Habitat III Bureau and in the Housing Policy Unit during the preparatory process of the New Urban Agenda. Currently has been one of the coordinators of the Housing Partnership under the EU Urban Agenda. Elena has contributed to several UNECE and research publications related to urban and housing issues. From 2013 – 2019 served as Chair of the UNECE Committee on Housing and Land Management.