The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul’s President General is taking part in a UN panel to discuss the benefits of digital technology at the service of the homeless.

On February 9th, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, represented by the International President General, is taking part in the UN’s panel discussion on “Digital Technology at the Service of Ending Homelessness”. This discussion is taking place on the occasion of the 59th session of the Commission for Social Development which has the following priority theme: “Socially just transition towards sustainable development: the role of digital technologies on social development and the well-being of all.”

Renato Lima will also speak on behalf of the Vincentian Family, as this is a priority and strategic issue for all the Vincentian branches.

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the use of digital technologies in many fields: online courses, purchasing foodstuffs and other household supplies using a web-based shopping service, virtual tours of properties for sale and rent, telemedicine… However, one of the big questions is how to use digital technology to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people, including the homeless.

The panel speakers will share ideas and innovative ways to improve the service provided to people living on the streets and will try to come up with solutions to tackle homelessness with technology.

According to UN-Habitat, some 150 million people worldwide are homeless, and around 1,600 million people live in inadequate housing. This panel discussion hopes to improve the lives of many homeless people.

Source: https://www.ssvpglobal.org/