The 12th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) opened in Cairo on November 4, 2024, focusing on "Local actions for sustainable cities and communities." The Forum, organized by UN-Habitat and the Egyptian government, gathers over 37,000 participants from more than 182 countries to address urban challenges and promote sustainable development.
Key themes of WUF12 include localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering partnerships, and addressing the global housing crisis. The Forum emphasizes the importance of transforming informal settlements, slums, and homelessness through collaborative efforts. UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted cities' dual role as both major emitters of greenhouse gases and potential hubs for sustainable solutions.
The event also features a dynamic program with 37 main sessions, over 500 partner-led events, and key dialogues, including a ministerial roundtable on governance and the launch of UN-Habitat's World Cities Report focused on cities and climate. The Forum is designed to promote inclusivity and sustainability, minimizing waste and ensuring accessibility for all participants.
At the conclusion of WUF12, the "Cairo Call to Action" will outline commitments for lasting impact on urban sustainability, continuing the Forum’s global legacy of fostering transformative change in cities worldwide.
For more information on UN-Habitat and its work, visit unhabitat.org.