Ana Claudia Rosbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Habitat Program, announced details of Egypt’s hosting of the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) on Sunday at a press conference at the government headquarters in the new administrative capital. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly’s statement.
Mr. Rosbach expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Egyptian government for hosting the World Urban Forum and for its commitment to sustainable urban development.
She said: “Having attended the World Urban Forum as a participant for many years, I am honored to lead this conference.” It is a new chapter for all as we work together to address new challenges and opportunities, he added.
He went on to say that at least 20,000 people are expected to attend the forum, with more than 13,000 people from 172 countries already registered this year. He emphasized that WUF12 is returning to the African continent more than 20 years after the first forum was held in Nairobi in 2002.
Rosbach noted that Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest growing cities, such as Cairo, and the challenges and opportunities faced here mirror those seen globally.
Rosbach noted that Africa’s population is expected to nearly double over the next 30 years, with the population of its six major cities expected to exceed 10 million people by 2035. In addition to Cairo, Luanda, Dar es Salaam, Kinshasa and Lagos, the Johannesburg metropolitan area will become part of the world’s largest urban centres, according to the African Cities 2035 report published by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
In her speech, she said, “Cairo, with its rich history and rapidly growing urban population, embodies both the challenges and opportunities to achieve sustainable urbanization, and therefore was selected as the 12th host city. It is an ideal city for
He said this year’s theme, “It all starts locally: Working together for sustainable cities and communities,” emphasizes that solutions must start where people live, work, and build their lives. He emphasized that there is.
He further emphasized that at the heart of WUF12 is the goal of accelerating the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With less than five years left until 2030, we are nearing the final stages of implementing these goals, bringing the debate closer to local realities.
Rosbach said the forum’s program is designed to focus on actionable solutions, ensuring each participant finds the ideas and networks needed to establish essential partnerships, while also He explained that this allows him to thoroughly explore the complexities of development. He said one of the key events will be the WUF Dialogue, where these high-level discussions will shape future policy agendas and actions and explore pressing issues through the lens of ‘home’ and local work. He pointed out that this would happen.
Rosbach announced that 59 ministers and deputy ministers have been confirmed to participate, with more ministers expected to join in the coming days. He emphasized the importance of this initiative as an important reflection of the efforts of governments to directly address urban issues.
She went on to say, “We have 156 speakers, including luminaries such as Yasmin Lali and Carlos Moreno. Stakeholders have always been at the heart of the forum.” This year, more than 1,100 partner-led events Requests have been received and 554 have been approved, she said. This diversity enables partners to share innovative ideas and best practices.
He said that the city exhibition at the forum is one of the important events, with 170 companies confirmed to exhibit. The exhibition will showcase the latest innovations in housing, transport, energy, waste management, public spaces and more.
She said: “Our focus at the Forum is on action as well as discussion. We plan to publish three final documents: the Forum Report, Key Messages, and Forum Outlook. It serves as a roadmap to guide our actions over the months and years ahead.”
