Cairo – October 10, 2024: Dr. Ibrahim Saber, the Governor of Cairo, held an extensive meeting on Wednesday, to follow up on preparations for Cairo's hosting of the 12th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) scheduled for 4th to 8th November.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Ministry of Local Development, the Ministry of Culture, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the forum coordinators, and the Directorates of Youth, Sports, and Culture. Representatives from the Cairo Public Transport Authority, as well as authorities in charge of Gardens and Cleaning, Small and Medium Enterprises in Cairo, Al-Azhar Park, and Al-Fawakhir village, all attended the meeting.
The Governor of Cairo emphasized the city's remarkable urban growth in recent years in the areas of housing, infrastructure, roads, and the eradication of slums, which has increased its potential to host such worldwide events related to urban development goals.
He stated that through the forum's numerous activities, including Cairo Urban Week, the governorate aims to showcase these accomplishments and create a modern international identity for Cairo while highlighting its rich historical history. This will provide the WUF12 with a distinct identity, highlighting the importance of Egypt's urban development initiatives and dedication to urban and developmental challenge
The governor also stated that all departments of the governorate are collaborating with the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, the Ministry of Local Development, and agencies involved in the event's organization, particularly the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), to ensure its success. The efforts include greeting foreign guests and providing the necessary logistical assistance for the forum's activities. He emphasised the significance of daily monitoring of preparations, notably in terms of transport, infrastructure, visit organisation, and volunteer coordination.
Dr. Saber emphasized the Cairo governorate's commitment to assure the forum's success as the second-largest event on the United Nations agenda after the Climate Summit, as well as the most significant worldwide event focusing on urbanisation and inclusive development. He remarked that the successful management of the event will reflect Egypt's regional and global standing.
The Cairo Governor also stated that a week before the forum, "Cairo Urban Week" will be held. The programme will address a number of urban development challenges. "Cairo Urban Week" will take a participatory approach, with a variety of activities, field tours, and initiatives bringing institutions, individuals, and community groups together to highlight their role in sustainable development and implement innovative solutions to improve quality of life.
Dr. Saber stated that the "Cairo Urban Week" activities will include a visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation on October 27th, a cycling race in Khedival Cairo from the Cairo Governorate headquarters to the Egyptian Opera House on November 1st, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Cairo Bike, and interactive talks on urban transformations and Cairo's resilience at Founders Spaces on November 2nd, as well as a visit to the Al-Asmarat on November 3rd to discuss the state's efforts in developing slums.
The major activities of the WUF12 will take place in the Al-Manara Conference Centre, beginning on November 4th with the handover of the event venue to UN-Habitat, the raising of event flags, and the start of opening and specialty sessions for local governments. The Andalus Park will also reopen following renovations. The Prime Minister will attend the ceremony, which will include a performance by the Al-Wafaa Wal-Amal Orchestra.
WUF12 events will emphasise Cairo landmarks, including a visit to Al-Azhar Park on November 5th, a heritage crafts exhibition, and tours of Al-Muizz Street, Khan El Khalili, Al-Fawakhir village, and the Religious Complex.
According to latest data, approximately 12,000 people from various nations have signed up for the event. The forum is attracting great international and local interest, as evidenced by registrations and participation from local, regional, and worldwide leaders and authorities. The event is expected to successfully bring together participating parties to usher in a new era of sustainable urban development, raising global awareness of the importance of local action in addressing pressing issues such as housing availability, mobility, water supply safety, the effects of climate change, as well as urban crises and conflicts.
The participants are expected to hail from a diverse variety of professional experiences, views, and cultures linked to urbanisation concerns. Delegations will include officials from regional and international governments, businesses, local community leaders, urban planners, and civil society organisations.
It is worth noting that the World Urban Forum, established by the United Nations in 2001, is the largest global conference on sustainable urbanisation, designed to address the impacts of rapid urbanisation on cities, communities, economies, and climate change. Since its inception, cities worldwide have hosted the forum, with the first session held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2002.