At the 12th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo, UNESCO reinforced its commitment to integrating culture into sustainable urban development. With a focus on the theme “It All Starts at Home,” this year’s forum gathered over 25,000 participants from 182 countries. The event, convened by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), addressed how culture can drive inclusivity, resilience, and community wellbeing in urban environments. Through a series of key sessions, UNESCO presented its vision for a more culture-centered approach to shaping cities of the future.
Culture as a Catalyst for Sustainable Urban Growth
The UNESCO delegation, led by the Deputy Director of the World Heritage Centre, showcased the significant role of cultural heritage in urban policy-making. The forum provided a platform for global leaders and experts to discuss how cultural assets contribute to building sustainable, inclusive cities. The Deputy Director participated in the “One UN Roundtable,” co-organized by UN-Habitat and the UN Development Coordination Office, which focused on collaborative urban strategies and the funding needed to advance the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In this session, the integration of cultural heritage into urban planning was emphasized as a key element for ensuring that cities remain vibrant, resilient, and sustainable for future generations. This initiative aligns with the UN’s broader commitment to achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Culture-Powered Public Spaces: A UNESCO Initiative
One of the standout sessions at WUF12 was UNESCO’s “Culture-Powered Public Spaces,” an event dedicated to exploring how culture can shape inclusive and resilient public spaces. The session brought together a diverse range of voices, including representatives from UN agencies, development banks, NGOs, and cultural professionals, all of whom discussed the pivotal role culture plays in urban development.
Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture, opened the session with a powerful video message that underscored the importance of cultural assets in creating spaces that promote social cohesion and economic prosperity. He emphasized that culture is not just a luxury but a necessity for sustainable development, stressing its role in driving social inclusion, cultural rights, and sustainable urban practices.
Key Insights from Global Leaders
The event featured key perspectives from influential figures in the urban development space. One such voice was Mr. Jean-Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary-General of UCLG Africa, who highlighted successful initiatives like the African Capitals of Culture. These programs demonstrate how culture can serve as a tool for social and economic development, fostering creativity, innovation, and community engagement in urban settings.
The panellists also discussed the need for stronger coordination among various stakeholders to ensure that culture is placed at the heart of urban development policies. Agencies such as UN-Habitat, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IaDB) all contributed to the discussion on how cultural heritage can inform public policies, enhance cultural rights, and drive sustainable urban practices.
A Strong Consensus on the Post-2030 Agenda
A key takeaway from the session was the broad consensus among participants about the necessity of positioning culture as a central pillar in the global development agenda, particularly as we approach the post-2030 era. With the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on the horizon, UNESCO advocates for the inclusion of culture as a standalone goal in the upcoming MONDIACULT 2025 conference. This vision for a future that integrates cultural heritage into urban planning is gaining momentum, as more cities and countries recognize that culture is a cornerstone of social and economic resilience.
UNESCO’s leadership in this space also points to the importance of international cooperation and the sharing of best practices to embed culture in urban governance. As cities around the world continue to grow and face new challenges, the need to prioritize culture in the urban agenda becomes increasingly clear. The session at WUF12 helped solidify the role of cultural heritage as a tool not just for preserving the past, but for actively shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Looking Ahead: Culture and Sustainability Beyond 2030
As the World Urban Forum wrapped up, it became clear that culture will be a vital ingredient in the sustainable cities of the future. The discussions at WUF12 reinforced the idea that cultural assets—whether tangible or intangible—are essential to addressing the challenges of urbanization, climate change, and social inequality. UNESCO’s active participation in these dialogues highlights its commitment to ensuring that cultural heritage is not sidelined but woven into the fabric of urban development policies.
The message from Cairo is clear: culture is not just a luxury or an afterthought; it is a key driver of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities. As we approach the post-2030 global development agenda, the integration of culture into urban planning and policy will be essential for creating cities that not only survive but thrive. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to cultural heritage, the cities of tomorrow can become truly inclusive spaces that reflect the diverse identities and values of their inhabitants.