Shereef El-Sharbin, the Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, announced the agenda and key topics for the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF 12), which Egypt will host from November 4 to 8, 2024. The event will feature wide international participation and will focus on vital issues such as housing, sustainable development, and the technological transformation of cities, with a primary emphasis on “human” aspects.
El-Sharbin highlighted that one of the main criteria for selecting a country or city to host such a forum is the richness of different urban forms and diverse solutions to urban challenges. The hosting of this event in Cairo demonstrates the significant local and international impact of Egypt’s efforts over the past decade under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
The Minister stated that since President El-Sisi took office, Egypt has witnessed an unprecedented urban boom centered on human-centric development and addressing local issues related to cities and villages. This aligns with the main theme of the forum, which focuses on local aspects. Egypt aims to showcase its experience and opportunities for export in various dimensions to other countries, particularly Arab and African nations, while also opening new avenues for investment, especially in real estate and attracting foreign investments.
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ToggleKey Topics and Sessions
The forum will include several key topics, particularly concerning housing and sustainable development. Since 2014, Egypt has been dedicated to a national housing policy aimed at providing affordable and suitable housing for all citizens. The government has successfully addressed issues related to informal settlements, especially in high-risk areas, by providing alternative residential zones equipped with essential services.
The forum will also discuss the technological transformation of cities, focusing on human aspects. El-Sharbin proudly mentioned Egypt’s achievements in establishing smart new cities, including the New Administrative Capital and New Alamein City, among other fourth-generation cities designed to be smart and green. These projects have significantly increased the livable area in Egypt from 7% to 14%, as part of a national strategy for smart cities and a roadmap for the gradual technological transformation of urban areas.
Participation and Registration
Abdul-Khaleq Ibrahim, Assistant Minister for Technical Affairs, revealed that more than 17,000 participants from over 185 countries have registered for the forum, with significant interest from countries like Kenya, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, China, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Colombia, Uganda, and Malaysia. Several ministers and senior officials are confirmed to attend, along with 156 speakers representing governments, international and regional organizations, parliaments, media, private sectors, civil society, and academic institutions.
The forum will host 31 official sessions, with the Egyptian government participating in 27 main sessions, including 6 high-level dialogues, 13 roundtable discussions, 5 assemblies, and 3 special sessions. Additionally, there will be 550 partner-led events, including 40 sessions organized by various Egyptian entities, highlighting the national dialogue on sustainable development.
Special Sessions and Future Investments
The main sessions related to Egypt will include a dedicated session on financing national projects and future investment opportunities, showcasing the country’s experience in financing social projects, such as the development of informal areas and social housing. This session will also explore investment opportunities to attract foreign investments and export Egyptian real estate.
The forum will feature the African Ministerial Meeting on Housing, aimed at showcasing Egypt’s experiences and maximizing the potential for exporting its real estate system. Agreements for cooperative efforts with several African countries will be signed during the meeting.
In summary, WUF 12 will not only spotlight Egypt’s urban development achievements but also create a platform for sharing knowledge, forging partnerships, and fostering investment opportunities in the real estate sector, aligning with global sustainable development goals.