Sherif El-Sharbin, Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, participated in the opening of the 12th World Urban Forum today, November 4, which is being hosted in Egypt from November 4 to 8. The forum, featuring broad international participation, addresses issues related to housing, sustainable development, and the technological transformation of cities, with a central focus on “people.”
During his address, Minister El-Sharbin emphasized the importance of a consolidated council focusing on women’s empowerment and equality. He highlighted the need to identify barriers that limit women’s access to opportunities for advancement and called for actionable recommendations that can be implemented at the local level. The Minister stressed that providing educational and vocational training, as well as suitable housing and services, is essential for facilitating women’s progress in society.
El-Sharbin pointed out that Egypt’s policies, executed by the Ministry of Housing in collaboration with various state agencies and civil society organizations—including business associations and those focused on women, children, and youth—take these issues into consideration. He noted that new urban developments are designed with these themes in mind, acknowledging their direct relevance to citizens’ needs, quality of life, and the provision of dignified living conditions. The goal is to create cities that are livable, work-friendly, and educationally conducive, thereby attracting more residents and investment opportunities.