The Minister of Local Government in the Government of National Unity, “Badr al-Din al-Toumi,” concluded his official visit to the Republic of Egypt to participate in the World Urban Planning Forum, with a field tour in the exhibition halls accompanying the forum, accompanied by the Minister of Housing and Construction, “Abu Bakr al-Ghawi,” during which he learned about countries’ experiences in addressing urbanization issues. Urban planning and local development.
The tour included “a visit to the pavilions of participating countries, companies and institutions, represented by the pavilion of the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), the Chinese pavilion for urban development and environmentally friendly urban plans, and the South African pavilion.”
The minister’s visits focused “on a group of pioneering projects aimed at developing city planning, including initiatives related to infrastructure, transportation lines, and the distribution of facilities and services.”
During the tour, he reviewed “many experiences of countries and companies in order to expand the horizon of knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing cities and urban areas, in addition to exploring the innovative solutions that these countries and institutions have adopted to overcome these challenges.”
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Urban Planning Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome today, Dr. Sarah Ibrahim, an expert in urban planning and sustainable development. We are excited to discuss the recent visit by the Minister of Local Government, Badr al-Din al-Toumi, to Egypt for the World Urban Planning Forum. Can you share your thoughts on the significance of such forums for local governance?
Dr. Sarah Ibrahim: Thank you for having me. The World Urban Planning Forum is a pivotal event for professionals in urban management and governance. It provides a global platform for sharing best practices and innovative ideas on urban development. Minister al-Toumi’s participation signifies a commitment to addressing urban challenges in Libya through collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Editor: Absolutely! It’s crucial for countries to engage in these discussions. What do you think are some key takeaways that delegation members, like al-Toumi and the Minister of Housing and Construction, Abu Bakr al-Ghawi, could gain from this forum?
Dr. Ibrahim: The forum likely offers insights into sustainable urban strategies, climate resilience practices, and modern housing solutions, which are essential for developing cities in Libya. Additionally, the field tours they participated in could highlight successful case studies from around the world, demonstrating how to integrate community participation in urban planning.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. In your opinion, how can the lessons learned at the World Urban Planning Forum be applied specifically to the context of Libya?
Dr. Ibrahim: Libya faces unique challenges, including post-conflict recovery and urban sprawl. Incorporating the principles of sustainable development and participatory planning can significantly enhance the resilience of Libyan cities. The insights gained from urban planners dealing with similar issues can guide local governance in creating efficient urban policies that foster economic growth and social cohesion.
Editor: Speaking of social cohesion, how important is community involvement in the urban planning process, particularly in regions like Libya?
Dr. Ibrahim: Community involvement is absolutely critical, especially in a country where trust and reconstruction are essential. Engaging residents in the decision-making process ensures that their needs and aspirations are met and can strengthen community ties. It also helps mitigate tensions and fosters a sense of ownership over local development projects.
Editor: It sounds like the minister’s visit could pave the way for more inclusive urban development in Libya. As we wrap up, what advice would you give to local governments looking to implement these insights from the forum?
Dr. Ibrahim: I would advise local governments to prioritize open dialogue with their communities and stakeholders. They should be adaptable and willing to learn from international best practices while tailoring solutions to local contexts. Furthermore, investing in capacity building for local planners and officials is vital to sustain development efforts in the long term.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ibrahim, for your valuable insights. It is clear that the future of urban development in Libya, and similarly challenged regions, relies heavily on informed strategies and community engagement. We look forward to seeing the positive impacts of Minister al-Toumi’s visit to Egypt as they work towards sustainable urban governance.
Dr. Ibrahim: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic!