GCSD initiated its activities related to Housing since the selection of the Executive Director, Anugraha John as the member of the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) of UN-Habitat 2008-2010.

During his tenure as the member of YAB, John was instrumental in lobbying for YOUTH at the 22nd Session of the Governing Council meeting of the UN-Habitat held in Nairobi, Kenya in March 2009. During his lobbying during the Session, he convinced the Sri Lankan Government to table, the Draft Resolution on Strengthening the Development of Urban Young People one of the most important YOUTH document that ensures youth participation in the UN-Habitat agenda.

John with the Sri Lankan Government delegation at the 22nd Session UN-Habitat in Kenya.

GCSD promotes youth participation at several Urban and Habitat related Forums and initiatives. GCSD has supported Habitat for Humanity, India by recruiting volunteers for their BUILD projects in Bangalore, India and has also organized several BUILDS in Bangalore engaging youth participation. Drawing inspiration from the Habitat for Humanity to work in communities and BUILD houses for the needy and poor, today GCSD organizes several BUILD projects in Bangalore and rural Bangalore.

WE BUILD 2010 was a pilot project launched by GCSD inviting 33 volunteers from countries such as Portugal, Greece, Spain, France, Bulgaria, USA, Australia, Spain, Japan, India and others to BUILD three homes in Mallasandra village outside of Bangalore.