The Minister of Housing and Construction of the Government of National Unity, Abu Bakr Al-Ghawi, participated in the activities of the twelfth session of the World Urban Forum.
According to the ministry, “The forum will be held in Cairo from November 4 to 8, 2024, and the Arab Republic of Egypt hosted this important international event under the auspices of the United Nations and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme.”
This year, the forum carried a slogan emphasizing the importance of the role of local communities in facing urban challenges, as the slogan was “Everything starts locally… Let us work together for sustainable cities and communities.”
The Minister of Housing stressed, “The current edition of the forum represents an exceptional event due to the large turnout from various countries of the world, as the number of registered participants reached 37,000 participants from 182 countries, in addition to the participation of 72 ministers and dozens of mayors, governors, and mayors.”
“The World Urban Forum is considered a global platform that brings together decision-makers, experts, and specialists to discuss the most prominent challenges facing cities in the world and develop sustainable solutions to them. This year, the Forum focuses on important issues such as the housing crisis, climate change, ease of movement, and the availability of basic services.”
Last updated: November 5, 2024 – 18:27
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Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor with Urban Development Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving deep into an important upcoming event in urban development—the World Urban Forum, which is set to take place in Cairo from November 4 to 8, 2024. We’re thrilled to have Dr. Amina Soliman, an expert in urban planning and sustainable development, with us today. Welcome, Dr. Soliman!
Dr. Soliman: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the World Urban Forum and its significance.
Editor: The twelfth session of the World Urban Forum is going to be held in Egypt under the auspices of the United Nations. How significant is Egypt hosting this event, and what does it mean for the region?
Dr. Soliman: Hosting the World Urban Forum in Egypt is a monumental achievement, particularly for the Arab region. It signifies a recognition of Egypt’s pivotal role in urban development and sustainable practices. The forum will not only bring together government officials, urban planners, and community leaders from around the world but also create an opportunity for Egypt to showcase its own urban initiatives and challenges.
Editor: Speaking of challenges, the theme for this year’s forum highlights the importance of local communities in facing urban challenges. Can you elaborate on why local communities are crucial in urban development?
Dr. Soliman: Absolutely. Local communities are at the forefront of urbanization; their participation ensures that development strategies are aligned with the needs and desires of the residents. Communities often have deep-rooted knowledge about their environment and can offer innovative solutions to local issues. Involving them in the decision-making process helps create more resilient and sustainable urban environments.
Editor: That’s a compelling point. What are some specific urban challenges that communities around the world are currently facing, and how can the forum help address them?
Dr. Soliman: Urban challenges vary widely, but some common issues include inadequate housing, infrastructure deficits, and environmental sustainability. The World Urban Forum serves as a platform for sharing best practices, innovative ideas, and solutions tailored to these challenges. Furthermore, it can foster international collaborations that empower local entities to implement sustainable practices.
Editor: You mentioned best practices. Are there any particular initiatives or case studies from past forums that have made a notable impact on urban development?
Dr. Soliman: Yes, several initiatives stand out. For example, the previous forum in Abu Dhabi focused on sustainable cities and highlighted projects that integrated renewable energy solutions within urban planning. Many cities that attended left with actionable strategies, such as the introduction of green spaces and efficient waste management systems. It shows the real-world impact of sharing knowledge and experiences.
Editor: Looking ahead, what do you hope will emerge from this upcoming forum in Cairo?
Dr. Soliman: I hope that it will result in renewed commitments to integrating community voices into urban strategies, along with actionable plans to address pressing issues like climate change and housing shortages. It’s crucial that the forum not only facilitates dialogue but leads to concrete, measurable outcomes that improve the lives of urban residents.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Soliman, for sharing your insights. The World Urban Forum has the potential to be a transformative event for urban planning and community engagement in our cities. We look forward to seeing the discussions and solutions that emerge from Cairo in 2024.
Dr. Soliman: Thank you for having me! I’m eager to see how this forum will shape the future of urban development.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to Time.news. Stay informed as we continue to cover key developments leading up to the World Urban Forum!