The 12th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) taking place in Cairo on November 4-8 will be the largest and greatest gathering of its kind to date, Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, said on Sunday. During a press conference, Rossbach emphasised the significance of the forum and its potential to drive sustainable urban development globally. Highlighting Cairo's role as a host city, Rossbach noted that the city's blend of history and modernity makes it an ideal setting for the WUF12. She expressed her gratitude to the Egyptian government for their commitment to sustainable urban development and their efforts in organising the event. WUF12, which is expected to attract over 20,000 participants from 179 countries, marks a significant return to the African continent. The last time the forum was held in Africa was in Nairobi in 2002. The continent is experiencing rapid urbanisation, with several African cities, including Cairo, Lagos, and Johannesburg, poised to become major metropolitan hubs in the coming years, according to EIU African Cities 2035 report. Rossbach emphasised the importance of the forum's theme, "It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities." She stressed that solutions to urban challenges must be implemented at the local level and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The forum will feature a range of activities, including high-level discussions, ministerial meetings, and field visits to showcase innovative urban development projects in Egypt. Rossbach expressed her confidence that the forum will produce practical recommendations and "actionable solutions" to address the challenges facing cities worldwide.
