Wimbledon Common Care Home Resident Wins Global UN-Habitat Award

David Satterthwaite – Researcher, Nobel Prize Laureate and Senior Associate at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) – has been awarded the UN-Habitat’s 2024 Scroll of Honour.

Residing at Wimbledon Common Care Home, part of Avery Healthcare, in London, Satterthwaite was recognised for his outstanding contributions to sustainable urbanisation and improving urban life.

UN-Habitat honoured the 73-year-old with the international award for his 50-year contribution to urban development, particularly his advocacy for improved housing and living conditions for marginalised urban residents.

His efforts have significantly contributed to tackling urban poverty, environmental health, and climate risks in the global South, substantially impacting urban development and demonstrating the power of individual contributions.

Satterthwaite was an employee of IIED for 47 years, from 1974 to 2021.

David was also a visiting professor at University College London, and has co-authored two books – Urban Poverty in the Global South (2012) and Reducing Urban Poverty in the Global South (2013).

He was also a co-ordinating lead author of the chapter on urban adaptation in the Fifth Assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Since its inception in 1989, the Scroll of Honour has celebrated exceptional efforts in improving shelter provision, post-conflict reconstruction, and urban living conditions.

In a touching and generous gesture, Satterthwaite has dedicated his award to the devoted care team at Wimbledon Common Care Home, where he has been a resident since 2022.

“This award is a testament not just to my work but to the incredible support I’ve received throughout my career,” Satterthwaite remarked.

He continued, “The care team here at Wimbledon Common Care Home have played a crucial role in my well-being, and I’m thrilled to share this honour with them.”

Hannah Ilsley, General Manager of Wimbledon Common Care Home, expressed her pride and appreciation.

She said, “We are delighted by David’s achievement and deeply moved by his decision to share this honour with our team. His dedication and vision continue to inspire us all, he is a truly remarkable individual.”