By: Rachel Quartey
The 12th session of the World Urban Forum, or WUF12, the United Nations’ premier global conference on sustainable urban development, opened this week in Egypt’s capital, Cairo, a famous megacity known for its long history of urban growth and transformation.
Over 37,000 participants from 182 countries have gathered at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre to tackle the challenges of sustainable urban development. This record-breaking attendance marks the largest World Urban Forum in history.
This year’s theme, “It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities,” emphasises the importance of community-led solutions to global challenges such as affordable housing, climate adaptation, and essential public services. Five Assemblies have convened to spotlight the perspectives of key stakeholder groups, including grassroots organisations, children and youth, local and regional governments, women, business, and foundations.
In 2002, Kenya hosted the maiden World Urban Forum in Nairobi. The session returns to Africa after more than 20 years, with Cairo hosting this premier global conference on sustainable urbanization. Africa is at the forefront of dynamic urban transformations, with cities like Luanda, Dar es Salaam, Cairo, Kinshasa, Lagos, and Greater Johannesburg projected to become some of the world’s largest metropolitan hubs by 2035.
For Ghana and many other participating countries, local actions are crucial in addressing the challenges of sustainable urban development. The Municipal Chief Executive for Ketu South, Mr. Maxwell Koffie Lugudor, who was at the forum, said he is particularly learning from other countries how they are tackling flooding and its related issues.
According to the MCE, he is very concerned about the climate change effect on Ketu South. “Ketu South is always being hit by tidal waves, so going round, I’m listening to people who have the same flooding issues and how they are resolving it,” he stated.
The Ketu South MCE said, “At one of the pavilions, somebody asked a question—the plans for our disabled brothers and sisters… In times of flooding, how do we help them? Somebody proposed that there should be an insurance package for them. When I get back home, I will find a way of whispering this to the ears of our policymakers.”
The forum convened by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) features about 600 sessions, a vibrant Urban Expo, and Cairo Urban Week, connecting WUF12 to the city’s communities. With the deadline to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) looming, WUF12 aims to drive transformative change and build strong coalitions for better solutions.
The World Urban Forum continues until November 8, 2024.
