President Abdel Fattah El Sisi reiterated on Monday that the unprecedented crises the world faces today, from climate change and water scarcity to rapid urbanisation and displacement, demand innovative solutions and bold action; hence the need for concentrated work to build resilient, sustainable, and inclusive cities that can withstand the test of time.
In a speech he delivered at the opening of the 12th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), convened in Cairo from November 4 to 8, President Sisi noted that the aim of such an event is to discuss the future of our cities, to exchange knowledge and experiences, and to address the pressing challenges that confront urban centres worldwide.
Welcoming the guests taking part in the event, President Sisi said: “It is great pleasure to welcome you all to the historic city of Cairo, a thousand-year-old metropolis that has witnessed the rise and fall of civilisations. Egypt, a country deeply rooted in history, is committed to shaping a better future for its people and the world”.
This edition of the forum comes at a crucial time, when the world is facing successive international crises and wars with devastating repercussions on cities and population centres, and on all aspects of life in them.
This calls for mobilising efforts and political will to establish peace, halt conflicts and disputes, and focus efforts on the areas of development, reconstruction, and building, as it is impossible to start any serious steps to confront urban challenges in societies suffering from wars, fighting, displacement, famine, and disease.
“What the Middle East is witnessing today of wars and conflicts, especially the war in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, is the example of the heavy losses that the countries suffer due to embracing war and conflict at the expense of peace and stability.
The daily suffering experienced by the peoples of these countries requires an immediate and effective response to stop the bloodshed and destruction and to start construction and development, he noted.
Egypt, he said, is always keen to provide all means of support to its brothers to stop the violence and mitigate its humanitarian, economic and social repercussions.
He noted that “despite the challenges surrounding us, we have embarked on ambitious projects to modernise our cities, including the development of new urban centres like the New Administrative Capital and New Alamein City. We are also working to revitalise our existing cities through initiatives such as the Decent Life Initiative, which aims to improve the living conditions of millions of Egyptians, the president said.
This forum provides a unique opportunity to share best practices, forge partnerships, and mobilise resources to address urban challenges. By working together, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all.
At the end of his speech, President Sisi announced the launch of the “National Strategy for Smart Cities” and the “National Strategy for Green Urbanisation” which aim to enhance existing national efforts in the areas of urbanisation based on international standards of sustainability and partnership.
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli and UN-Habitat Executive Director Anna Claudia Rosbach have meanwhile noted the significance of convening such a global event in Cairo.
“Cairo was selected due to its efficient transportation infrastructure and the anticipated influx of 37,000 participants, including 72 ministers, 96 governors and mayors, and representatives from civil society, the private sector, and various governments,” the prime minister said.
In statements to a joint press conference with UN-Habitat Executive Director Anna Claudia Rosbach, Dr Madbouli explained that Egypt’s commitment to urban development is evident in initiatives like the Decent Life Initiative, which aims to improve the lives of millions of rural Egyptians.
The Decent Life Initiative, a flagship project aimed at improving the lives of 60 million rural Egyptians, serves as an inspiring example of Egypt’s dedication to sustainable development.
For her part, the UN-Habitat chief Rosbach praised the Egyptian government for its unwavering support in organising this significant global event, marking the first time in 20 years that an African nation has hosted the forum.
She also highlighted Cairo’s rich history and vibrant present as a fitting backdrop for the forum. With over 37,000 registered participants and 407 speakers, the event will address critical urban challenges and discuss the implementation of the Charter for the Future, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.
She also acknowledged the valuable insights shared during Cairo Urban Week, particularly regarding heritage preservation and cultural exchange. The forum, she added, is expected to produce three key documents, outlining a roadmap for future urban development.
