Preparations for The Hosting of The World Urban Forum in Full Swing
Minister of Local Development, Dr. Manal Awad, confirmed that preparations for Egypt's hosting of the 12th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) are well underway. The forum will take place from November 4-8 at the Al Manara International Conference Centre under the theme "It all starts at home – local action for sustainable cities and communities."
The minister highlighted that there is continuous coordination between the Ministry of Local Development, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Communities, UN-Habitat, Cairo Governorate and other key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Higher Education, and companies responsible for logistics, marketing, and promotion of the event as well as Al Manara International Conference Centre representatives.
Building on the success of the COP27 conference in Sharm El Sheikh, Minister Awad emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring that Egypt is represented in the best possible light at the upcoming edition of the forum. To guarantee that the event is planned to the highest possible standard, all relevant ministries and entities are collaborating as one team.
She emphasised that Cairo, as the host city for the forum, will have full support from the Egyptian government, which is eager to highlight the nation's accomplishments in urban development, addressing informal settlements, planning new cities, the establishment of the New Administrative Capital and an unparalleled renaissance under His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.
Dr. Awad noted that Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly is closely following up through periodic reports and meetings on all developments and preparations related to hosting the upcoming forum for the event in a manner befitting Egypt and the United Nations in terms of organization, activities, sessions, topics to be discussed, and cultural and tourism aspects.
Dr. Awad added that numerous official invitations have been extended to global leaders, heads of government, and international figures. The forum will feature 560 events, six high-level dialogues, and nine special sessions that will discuss global urban challenges, and exchange of expertise on sustainable urban development. One of the pivotal sessions will spotlight Egypt's success story in rapid urbanisation, sustainable development, housing, and urban infrastructure over the last decade. There will also be discussion on important subjects including social justice, reducing poverty, and adjusting to climate change and its impact on cities.
One of the most significant initiatives to be discussed at the conference, according to the
Minister of Local Development, is the New Urban Agenda, which aims to steer international programmes and policies towards the construction of more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities. The agenda's primary goal is to attain the Sustainable Development Goals while enhancing urban regions' quality of life. In order to address the complex issues brought on by rapid urbanisation and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come, the World Urban Forum also focuses on strengthening international cooperation and exchanging workable solutions for both developed and developing cities.
The Minister revealed that the forum's major sessions will be broadcast in Arabic sign language and international sign language in addition to the six UN languages. The forum, she continued, will also showcase Egypt's case study on the international scene, emphasising comprehensive development and strengthening the social, political, and environmental frameworks, with an emphasis on raising everyone's standard of living and giving citizens a decent life. Additionally, the achievements of the Egyptian state in green transformation, the implementation of the National Climate Change Strategy, and the attainment of sustainable development goals will be showcased, along with efforts to improve individuals' quality of life, build safe homes, and implement alternative housing projects to eliminate informal settlements.
Furthermore, Dr. Awad said that an Urban EXPO will be held during the forum to showcase global case studies in urbanisation, with youth involvement being a key focus. The National Alliance for Civil Work will oversee the youth volunteer programme, while the National Academy for Training will train and prepare volunteers for their roles. Meanwhile, the young organisers of the World Youth Forum are in charge of planning and directing the forum's activities and events as a continuation of their work planning significant international events that have been held in Egypt in recent years.
Finally, the minister noted the strong international interest in WUF12, with over 10,000 participants from 160 countries already registered. A global press conference will be held soon to announce further details about the sessions and key attendees.
According to Dr. Manal Awad, Cairo's enjoyment of all types of urban, developmental, social, and economic progress is what led to its hosting of the forum.
Cairo will be the first African city to host the forum since its inception in Nairobi, Kenya, and the second in the Arab city after Abu Dhabi which hosted the tenth session. The forum remains a leading global platform focused on all aspects of sustainable urban development.
For registration details to attend WUF12:
