World Urban Forum: The search for solutions to the global housing crisis moves to Cairo
What is the World Urban Forum?
The World Urban Forum (WUF), a major United Nations conference on sustainable urban development, was established in 2001 to address global urbanization as one of the most pressing issues in the world. that the world faces today. Since then, a forum has been held every two years and this year the conference took place from November 4 to 8 in Cairo, Egypt.
Since its inception, the forum has helped the United Nations agency for sustainable towns and cities, UN-Habitatto gather information on cases and trends, and build partnerships and alliances to support our work and find solutions to the global housing crisis and major crises such as climate change, conflict and poverty.
Vehicle exhaust, diesel generators, biomass burning and waste all contribute to poor air quality in the Lagos lagoon in Nigeria. (2016 file)
Why is it important?
Today, about 50% of the global population lives in cities and this number is expected to increase to 70% by 2050. The move to urban centers is having a major impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change and policies.
Most of the growth will take place in Africa, where the population is expected to nearly double in the next 30 years. Cairo, along with several African cities, has the potential to become one of the world’s largest urban centers, with more than 10 million people by 2035.
“I see WUF as a major coalition supporting transformational change,” said Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat. UN News. “Its goal is to promote cooperation and collaboration among those involved in promoting and implementing sustainable urban development.”
A polluted canal flows through a slum on the outskirts of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
What is this year’s theme?
Theme of WUF12 It all starts at home: Local action for sustainable cities and communities emphasizes that solutions must start where people live, work and build their lives.
There will be a focus on local action to tackle the global housing crisis, which is being exacerbated by climate change and growing inequality.
“By bringing the discussion closer and focusing on local action, we aim to turn global goals into tangible improvements in people’s lives,” Ms. Rossbach said. “WUF12 will serve as a platform to discuss and learn from successful local initiatives, ensuring that progress made in one city can inspire and inform Similar efforts elsewhere.”
Delegates will also learn about the many ways urban planners and authorities are making cities more sustainable, such as developing green spaces, parks and urban forests, which help reduce heat island effect, improving air quality and enhancing biodiversity.
Bicentennial Park in Ecatepec, Mexico
What happens next?
One tangible result of the conference in Cairo will be the revitalization of Al Asmarat, a low-income neighborhood. This initiative, in partnership with the Governor of Cairo, is part of a plan to transform the city into a living exhibition of sustainable urbanism.
“This initiative demonstrates our belief that every city, every community and every citizen has a role to play in building a better future,” Ms. Rossbach stated.
For UN-Habitat, a successful outcome for WUF12 will involve establishing new partnerships and alliances to promote sustainable urban development, furthering the agency’s work. The new urban agenda and Agenda 2030 for sustainable developmentboth propose a vision of a better and more sustainable future for all.
The agency will also continue to work closely with local authorities and inspire activists on urban projects that are changing lives in cities around the world. For example, in Kibera, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, UN-Habitat is collaborating with a grassroots organization aims to regenerate the Ngong River and improve the environment for local communities. In Yangon, Myanmar, this agency Work closely with local groups to introduce large rainwater harvesting tanks, providing safe, affordable water to some of the city’s most vulnerable populations, and in Bolivia, UN-Habitat has supported land countries develop a system national plan with the clear goal of improving the quality of life for city residents.
Where can I learn more?
The full conference program can be found on the official World Urban Forum website.
Stay tuned for WUF highlights from our correspondent in Cairo throughout the week UN News.
