Sustainable cities in focus at World Urban Forum

The Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) took place in Cairo from November 4 to 8, 2024, attracting over 25,000 participants to discuss practical solutions for sustainable urban development. The event, themed 'It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities,' brought together a diverse group of attendees, including policymakers, urban planners, and grassroots activists, to address critical urban challenges such as housing shortages, climate resilience, and inclusivity.

UN-Habitat Executive Director Anáclaudia Rossbach opened the forum with a strong call to action, stating that “local solutions are essential to address the unique needs of our communities.” This message was echoed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in urban development. 

The Centre for Sustainable Urban Livelihoods (CSUL), conceptualized by UN Women and the National Institute of Urban Affairs, was formally launched at the forum by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. The centre will serve as a Centre of Excellence under DAY-National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) and PM SVANidhi to provide technical support in effective implementation of urban livelihoods component of the mission and will facilitate cross learning and knowledge dissemination. 

A key session at the forum, the ONE-UN Panel titled 'Mainstreaming Leave No One Behind in India,' — helmed by the UN Resident Coordinator Office in India, UN Women India and UN-Habitat India — underscored the importance of incorporating marginalized voices, especially women and people with disabilities, into urban planning. Experts cautioned that excluding these groups from decision-making could lead to policies that perpetuate inequality. In line with this, a training session titled 'Gender and Disability Inclusion in Urban Infrastructure' equipped urban practitioners with tools for conducting accessibility audits, emphasizing that inclusive infrastructure is vital for equitable living conditions.

Another significant discussion was the Urban Library session on 'Building Inclusive Cities through Technology and Youth Engagement,' which highlighted how technology can empower young people to take an active role in shaping their communities. The program featured 37 main sessions and over 700 partner-led events, covering various urban issues such as housing affordability and climate action. The Urban Expo was another highlight, showcasing over 140 exhibitors with innovative solutions like renewable energy projects and sustainable public spaces.

With participants from over 182 countries, WUF12 highlighted the need for localized solutions to enhance urban resilience. Notably, 74% of delegates came from Africa, marking a significant level of regional representation. The forum achieved gender parity among speakers, with 201 male and 206 female representatives, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity. The closing ceremony saw the launch of the Cairo Call to Action, a document encapsulating key messages from the discussions, as Egypt passed the baton to Azerbaijan, the host of the next edition of the forum.