The 12th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) commenced Monday in Cairo, attracting thousands of international participants to its opening session. The event, a pivotal gathering for urban development and sustainability, was officially inaugurated by Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi alongside Anaclaudia Rossbach, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
A Historic Venue for a Global Forum
Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi chose Cairo as the host city for WUF12, emphasizing its status as one of the world’s oldest and most diverse cities. In his welcoming speech, President Sisi highlighted the significance of holding the forum during a tumultuous period marked by conflicts, wars, and global crises that have severely impacted cities worldwide.
President Sisi’s Vision for Urban Development
Addressing the attendees, President Sisi stressed the critical need for mobilizing efforts and exercising political will to halt conflicts and focus on development and reconstruction. “This is a decisive time that requires us to mobilize efforts and exercise political will to stop conflicts and rather focus efforts on development and reconstruction,” he stated.
He further addressed the challenges posed by violence in the Middle East, noting the daily suffering and loss of homes experienced by many. President Sisi called for an end to bloodshed and conflicts, underscoring the urgent need for peaceful and sustainable urban development.
Announcements of National Strategies
In a significant announcement, President Sisi unveiled the launch of two major initiatives:
- National Strategy of Green Urbanism: A comprehensive plan aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable practices in urban development.
- National Strategy for Smart Cities: An initiative focused on integrating advanced technologies to create efficient, livable, and resilient urban environments.
These strategies are designed to position Egypt as a leader in sustainable and smart urban development, aligning with global efforts to create balanced and thriving cities.
UN-Habitat’s Call for Global Urban Resilience
Anaclaudia Rossbach, representing UN-Habitat, emphasized the indispensable role cities play in ensuring humanity’s well-being. She expressed gratitude to the participants, highlighting that WUF12 is the largest session ever held, thanks to the overwhelming number of attendees.
Emphasizing Urban Roles in Humanity’s Future
Rossbach underscored the critical contributions of cities to humanity, advocating for collaborative efforts to build resilient and inclusive urban spaces. “Cities are the heartbeat of our society, driving progress and fostering innovation. This forum is a testament to our collective commitment to shaping a sustainable future for all urban residents,” she remarked.
Empowering Balanced Cities Through Collaboration
WUF12 in Cairo serves as a platform for global leaders, policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders to discuss and implement strategies for creating balanced cities. The forum aims to address pressing urban challenges, including rapid urbanization, climate change, social inequality, and infrastructure development.
Key Themes and Discussions
- Sustainable Urban Development: Strategies to promote eco-friendly practices and reduce the environmental footprint of cities.
- Smart City Technologies: Leveraging digital innovations to enhance urban living, improve service delivery, and increase efficiency.
- Inclusive Growth: Ensuring that urban development benefits all segments of society, fostering social equity and economic opportunities.
- Resilience Building: Developing cities that can withstand and adapt to natural and human-made disasters.
Engaging the Global Community
The opening session of WUF12 in Cairo was marked by vibrant discussions and interactive workshops, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and best practices. Participants from diverse backgrounds and regions engaged in meaningful dialogues aimed at advancing the global urban agenda.
Networking and Knowledge Sharing
WUF12 provides an unparalleled opportunity for networking and knowledge exchange among global urban experts. The forum facilitates partnerships and collaborations that are essential for driving sustainable urban transformation.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Urban Development
As WUF12 unfolds in Cairo, the focus remains on empowering cities to achieve balance and sustainability. The forum’s outcomes are expected to influence urban policies and initiatives worldwide, contributing to the creation of cities that are not only economically vibrant but also socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable.
Future Initiatives and Commitments
Participants of WUF12 are expected to leave with actionable insights and commitments to implement in their respective cities. The collaborative spirit of the forum aims to foster a unified approach towards overcoming urban challenges and achieving long-term sustainability.
The 12th Session of the World Urban Forum in Cairo marks a significant milestone in the global effort to create balanced and sustainable cities. With visionary leadership from both the Egyptian government and international organizations like UN-Habitat, WUF12 is set to drive impactful changes in urban development. As the world grapples with complex urban challenges, forums like WUF12 play a crucial role in shaping the future of cities and ensuring that they remain vibrant, resilient, and inclusive for generations to come.
