By Rebecca Naldi
The 12th Session of the World Urban Forum organized by UN-HABITAT, took place in Cairo, Egypt, from November 4 to 8. During the summit, it was mainly highlighted the crucial role of localizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on cities and communities, aiming at fostering collective actions to enhance the well-being of all and addressing pressing global challenges.
Throughout the numerous sessions — attended by experts, academics, and leading figures from international organizations, and national and local governments — the discussion revolved around how urban development can drive social inclusion, mitigate climate impacts, and combat economic and social disparities.
The main outcomes and results of the Summit primarily emerged in the following areas:
Housing: Experts emphasized how making land available for urban development can stimulate new construction projects, creating jobs and attracting both public and private investments. Additionally, they stressed the importance of establishing a new legal framework to combat corruption and protect human rights, aiming to foster inclusive growth within urban areas.
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS): Many initiatives underscored the need to incorporate NBS to enhance climate resilience, biodiversity, and social cohesion in urban projects. In particular, the Egyptian Minister of Environment, Ms. Yasmine Fouad, presented a significant example, showcasing the integration of NBS in the vulnerable Nile Delta region supported by the Green Climate Fund. This initiative focuses on protecting the environment while fostering sustainable urban development, with a strong emphasis on putting people at the heart of the process.
Proximity and Urban-Rural Connections: Promoting proximity was highlighted as a strategy for building resilience and fostering a new culture of urban and territorial cohesion. Strengthening links between urban and rural areas can create a positive cycle that enhances community well-being and addresses spatial inequalities. Projects such as Egypt’s “Decent Life” program, endorsed by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, and the Urban Food Agenda, supported by the FAO, are pivotal to boosting economic growth, food security, and sustainable development in rural areas, creating positive ripple effects on urban regions due to the interconnectedness of these spaces.
New digital tools and innovative platforms were presented with the objective of achieving sustainable urban development, Notably, UN-HABITAT and the University of Pennsylvania introduced a modular projection tool that employs AI and machine learning to assess climate and biodiversity risks. This tool helps identify the most suitable areas for urban expansion, guiding development away from ecologically sensitive zones.
Adequate and sustainable financing remains essential for urban development, yet no single model suits all cities. Forum participants recommended fostering an understanding of various financing mechanisms and combining local revenues with public-private partnerships to support diverse urban needs.
Effective SDG localization requires partnerships that transcend sectors and governance levels. Building shared goals, aligning policies, and fostering communication between governments and civil society organizations were identified as crucial steps for successful SDG implementation in urban contexts.
The 12th World Urban Forum has underscored that achieving sustainable cities and communities requires a blend of innovation, strategic financing, and strong partnerships at every level. These elements, along with local actions rooted in the SDG framework, are essential in driving meaningful change across the urban landscape.
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