The World Urban Forum (WUF) was established by the United Nations in 2001 to address the growing issue of global urbanisation. This major conference on sustainable urban development has been held biennially since then, with the upcoming conference taking place in Cairo, Egypt from November 4th to 8th.
Throughout the years, the forum has played a crucial role in helping UN-Habitat, the UN agency for sustainable towns and cities, gather information, build partnerships, and find solutions to pressing global issues such as the housing crisis, climate change, conflicts, and poverty. With the current trend of urbanisation, it is estimated that 50% of the world’s population currently lives in cities, and this number is expected to reach 70% by 2050. This rapid growth is significantly impacting communities, cities, economies, climate change, and policies.
Africa is projected to experience the most significant growth, with the population expected to nearly double in the next 30 years. As a result, Cairo and other African cities are likely to become some of the largest metropolitan hubs in the world, with Cairo alone expected to house over 10 million people by 2035.
The Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach, sees the World Urban Forum as a crucial platform for promoting collaboration and cooperation in advancing sustainable urban development. She states that the forum’s goal is to inspire and inform similar efforts elsewhere by highlighting successful local initiatives and translating global goals into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
The theme of this year’s forum, “It all starts at home: Local actions for sustainable cities and communities,” emphasizes the importance of addressing the global housing crisis at the local level. The conference will focus on showcasing successful local actions and initiatives that aim to mitigate the impact of climate change and reduce inequalities.
One of the tangible outcomes of the conference will be the revitalization of Al Asmarat, a low-income neighborhood in Cairo. This initiative, in collaboration with the governor of Cairo, is part of a larger plan to transform the city into a model of sustainable urban development.
UN-Habitat’s ultimate goal for the World Urban Forum is to establish new partnerships and coalitions that will further their vision of sustainable urban development as outlined in the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The agency will also continue to work closely with local authorities and inspiring activists on various urban projects worldwide, such as regenerating the Ngong River in Nairobi, providing safe water in Yangon, and supporting Bolivia’s national plan to improve the quality of life for city residents.
The full conference program can be found on the official World Urban Forum website, and UN News will provide coverage of the forum’s highlights throughout the week.