Dr. Sayed Ismail, Deputy Minister of Housing, delivered the opening speech at the International Scientific Conference on Innovative Planning in Addressing Urban Challenges on behalf of the Minister of Housing. Ismail expressed his gratitude to the conference organizers and emphasized its significance in light of Egypt’s urban renaissance and the environmental, social, and economic challenges it faces. He highlighted the necessity of adopting advanced planning strategies that rely on technology to ensure a sustainable urban future aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030, stressing the role of innovative planning in achieving sustainable development.
The Deputy Minister of Housing in Egypt pointed out the multiple challenges facing the housing and utilities sector, which include:
- Environmental Challenges: The impact of climate change, pollution resulting from urban and industrial activities, and unplanned urban expansion affecting agricultural land.
- Social Challenges: Continuous population growth puts pressure on essential services, leads to disparities in living standards, and increases the demand for diverse housing units.
- Development of Social Infrastructure: Schools, hospitals, cultural centers, and recreational facilities must be improved.
- Economic Challenges: The rising cost of construction, the need to attract investments, and the necessity of providing job opportunities for young people in the sector.
The Deputy Minister of Housing affirmed that the ministry is adopting a comprehensive strategy to address current challenges. The strategy focuses on sustainable urban planning that considers environmental, social, and economic dimensions to enhance citizens’ well-being. It relies on modern technology and artificial intelligence to analyze population behavior and design integrated urban communities. Additionally, the ministry aims to use advanced construction techniques to achieve efficiency and quality, develop existing cities, and establish new sustainable cities.
Currently, the Ministry of Housing is completing projects under the first phase of the presidential initiative “Decent Life,” which aims to develop the Egyptian countryside. After completing the third phase, the initiative will focus on providing sanitation services in rural areas and implementing comprehensive service projects benefiting citizens. The Deputy Minister of Housing stressed the importance of cooperation between relevant entities to develop policies and innovative solutions to address urban challenges and achieve comprehensive development.