A Summary Report
Twenty years after the first forum in Nairobi, Kenya, the World Urban Forum (WUF) returned to the African continent. Over this period, the Forum has been held in all regions globally, growing in participation and expanding awareness on the need to harness the power of urbanization for sustained good. The twelfth edition (WUF12) was held in Cairo, Egypt, from 4 to 8 November 2024, under the theme, "It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities." Co-organized with the Government of Egypt, it was the first time the Forum was held in a megacity with a population of over 20 million people.
Guided by the theme, WUF12 centered on localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by emphasizing community-led solutions to address global challenges such as affordable housing, climate adaptation, essential public services, and the impacts of rising living costs. For example, the theme underscored the critical need to prioritize housing in achieving sustainable urban development.
Dialogue 1, themed "Housing Our Future," highlighted housing's central role in UN-Habitat’s mandate. Stressing the urgency of addressing the housing crisis, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach remarked: “We don’t have to have another generation of children born in slums.”
UN-Habitat’s Policy, Legislation and Governance Section (PLGS) was on-site, leading the discourse on crucial urban development themes including urban policy, legislation, governance, urban-rural linkages, and metropolitan management.
In the Numbers
1. Overall Participation Statistics
- Attendance: Over 25,000 participants from 182 countries
- Main Sessions: 37
- Partner-led Events: 600+
- High-Level Attendees: 3 presidents, 4 deputy prime ministers, 60+ ministers, 37 deputy ministers, and 61 mayors from 68 countries
- Speakers: 341 (164 male, 177 female)
- Regional Representation: Africa 70.5%, Asia 12.6%, Europe 9.5%, Americas 7%, Oceania 0.3%
- Sector Composition: Academia 24%, Government 18%, Private Sector 12%, International Organizations 9%, Civil Society 8%, Media 3%
2. PLGS Numbers
- 23 events led and participated
- Over 800 participants directly engaged
- More than 15 bilateral and multilateral consultations
- 2 global reports launched
- 3 Agreements signed
PLGS @ WUF12
Core themes of the Policy, Legislation and Governance Section (PLGS) were interwoven throughout WUF12, featuring in the main Plenaries, Roundtables, Dialogues, Side Events, and Bilateral Consultations. This was crucial to reinforce the importance of policy, legislation, and governance in achieving sustainable urban development. During this eventful week, PLGS was engaged in at least 23 events, either by co-leading, moderating, or speaking. PLGS was also represented in over 20 other events of thematic relation, playing active roles to advance the sustainable urban development agenda through urban policy, legislation, governance, metropolitan management, and urban-rural linkages.
1. PLGS-led events
a. Sunday 03 Nov 2024:
Knowledge sharing event on National Urban Policy
Prior to the official opening of WUF12, UN-Habitat’s PLGS hosted a knowledge-sharing session under the Korea-funded national urban policy program, attended by participants from 10 countries. The event aimed to strengthen stakeholders' capacity by sharing experiences from K-NUPP Phase 1 and 2, along with input from partners. Eight panelists discussed how policies can incorporate people-centered smart city aspects to achieve the New Urban Agenda and sustainable cities and communities. Countries such as Egypt and Mozambique showcased progress, with their urban policies approved, while Niger State-Nigeria presented people-centered demonstration projects. The afternoon included a site visit to Asmarat neighbourhood, highlighting the positive impact of interventions, such as market renovations and a children’s play center.
Key take-aways; ‘successful NUP implementation needs partnership from all stakeholders and meaningful participation of local communities.’ ‘Technology should serve the people, and not people serving technology’
b. Monday 04 Nov 2024
WUF12 Grand Opening
The WUF12 opening ceremony, co-led by UN-Habitat and its partners, marked the start of a week-long event. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anáclaudia Rossbach and Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi delivered remarks, urging participants to bring back insights and solutions to their communities. Together, they officially launched the five-day Forum, focused on sustainable urban development from both local and global perspectives. Prior to the opening, five Assemblies gathered key stakeholders—grassroots organizations, children and youth, local governments, women, and businesses—to discuss urban challenges and shape inclusive solutions. The Urban Expo, featuring over 140 exhibitors, showcased innovative solutions for housing, energy, and public spaces, with the UN-Habitat Arena as a highlight, symbolizing the theme of “home.”
c. Tuesday 05 Nov 2024
Launch of Global State of National Urban Policy-3rd Edition (co-organized with the OECD)
Co-authored by UN-Habitat and OECD, third Global State of National Urban Policy (NUP) report was launched during WUF12. The report highlights the global progress of NUPs, with over 80% of surveyed countries implementing them and 90% addressing resilience to crises and climate change. NUPs were emphasized as critical for fostering urban resilience, sustainable housing, and alignment with the SDGs.
During the launch, countries shared their NUP experiences: Nigeria prioritizes multi-level governance and housing development; Morocco focuses on urban growth, climate resilience, and mobility; Korea leverages decades of structured NUPs domestically and abroad; and Brazil integrates environmental and economic goals to address urban concentration. The session was an opportunity to underscore that NUPs are a cornerstone of sustainable urbanization, urging global adoption to tackle urban challenges effectively.
Creating Enabling Environment for the Localization of National Urban Policy through Effective and Inclusive Multilateralism
The event discussed the National Urban Policy Program (NUPP) supported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport of Korea, its continued support to the 8 beneficiary countries, and the importance of establishing national urban policies. The importance of community engagement in the implementation of various thematic areas of urban policy, and the role of institutions in shaping national urban policy were also highlighted. The conversation ended with a discussion on the importance of engaging with the private sector in urban development.
d. Wednesday 06 Nov 2024
Empowering Children through Urban Policy and Legislative Decision-Making Processes (co-organized with UNICEF)
The event, focused on integrating children’s perspectives into the National Urban Policy (NUP) process. Presentations emphasized the importance of child-friendly mechanisms in urban policies, particularly in housing, social services, land, planning, health, and climate resilience. The newly published child-responsive NUP guidance was discussed, outlining how governments can incorporate child-friendly approaches into urbanization policies. Examples from Ramala, Palestine, and Kerala, India, were presented. Participants agreed on the need to amplify children’s voices in decision-making, as opposed to speaking for them.
National Urban Policies Impacts: From National to Local Actions
The session focused on the importance of national urban policies in supporting economic, social, and environmental progress, with speakers sharing their experiences and insights on implementation across different countries. Several countries including Niger State-Nigeria, Malawi, Korea, and Jordan shared their experiences and impacts from implementing NUPs. The discussion also covered aspects such as the need for collaboration with non-state actors, and the importance of accurate data for effective planning. The conversation ended with a review of the importance of political willpower, and the need for a strong evidence base to demonstrate the value of such urban policies.
Launch of Global Trends and Insights on Urban-Rural Linkages Report
In an informal session, the Key Highlights booklet of the Global Trends and Insights of Urban-Rural Linkages report was launched. Participants were guided through the booklet, which covers global trends, processes, and thematic topics. The presentation highlighted the definition of Urban-Rural Linkages (URL) and emerging issues, with examples from Algeria, Sweden, the Philippines, and Zimbabwe. The discussion emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships and involving youth in advancing URL work. Participants agreed on the need to engage youth organizations, as young people are key players in rural-to-urban migration and transitions.
2. Partner-led events
a. Tuesday 05 Nov 2024
Journal Launch - Urban Regeneration. Producing Knowledge on Sustainable Urban and Rural Transformation (by Shanghai University)
The event began with an overview of the World Cities Day and the Shanghai Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities, highlighting the collaboration between UN-Habitat and the Shanghai Municipal Government. It emphasized Shanghai's leadership in promoting sustainable urban development through initiatives like the Shanghai Manual and the Global Report on Sustainable Urban Development. Key speakers, including representatives from China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and Shanghai’s Mayor, underscored the city's commitment to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban growth. The event recognized five cities—Agadir, Thiruvananthapuram, Iztapalapa, Melbourne, and Doha—for their sustainability achievements and discussed expanding the Shanghai Award’s global impact. Shanghai University then launched the Urban Regeneration journal, showcasing efforts to integrate education, research, and practice in urban renewal. The event concluded with the launch of the 2025 Global Urban Renewal Best Case Selection.
Strengthening Local Institutions Through Transformative Digitization and Capacity Building for the SDGs (organized by Global CEO Alliance)
This session emphasized the role of local institutions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how technology can enhance their capacity. It discussed various diagnostic and capacity-building tools developed by UN-Habitat, including the Capacity Assessment Toolkit, Capacity Building Tools Database, and City Scan Tool. The session also introduced the SDG Cities Learning Path, an educational tool for sustainable urban development, and the first e-learning course on local on-source revenue. Additionally, PLGS presented the SDG Cities Governance Diagnostic Tool, which evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of local governance, focusing on sustainability, resilience, and adaptability to issues like climate change and COVID-19, based on international governance principles such as SDGs, NUA, and CEPA.
The role of cultural and natural heritage in addressing polycrises and urban recovery (organized by Heritopolis)
The event highlighted the role of cultural and natural heritage in addressing polycrisis and urban recovery. Panelists shared insights on the importance of culture in disaster risk management and recovery. A collaborative initiative, Anthodon, was introduced, aiming to reopen and reconnect Gaza through local neighborhood initiatives, stressing the need for a political solution to the ongoing conflict. The discussion concluded with a somber reflection on hope and rebuilding, followed by the distribution of booklets to participants.
Beyond & between - launching the global compendium of Peri-Urban-Rural Linkages (organized by University of Manchester)
The event focused on Urban-Rural Linkages, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to address challenges and opportunities at the urban-rural interface. Opening discussions highlighted peri-urban issues, followed by an overview of UN-Habitat’s URL programme and the URL guiding principles. A presentation on the Peri-Urban Rural Linkages Compendium showcased global case studies addressing ecological, social, and economic gaps. Examples from Chennai explored peri-urban dynamics using bioregional approaches, while discussions on Egypt highlighted food security, land use, and governance in peri-urban areas. Panel discussions covered challenges such as land conflicts, smart city integration, and urban food resilience, emphasizing collaborative, technology-driven, and equity-focused solutions.
Promoting Climate-Resilient Cities Through Climate-Smart Urban Laws (organized by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung)
During this event, UN-Habitat presented on the Urban Law Module of the Law and Climate Change Toolkit. This toolkit covers governance frameworks, urban planning for adaptation and mitigation, and economic instruments for climate-friendly urban planning. It aims to help cities create laws that address climate change and support vulnerable populations. A free and complimentary e-learning course on climate action through urban law was also introduced. The meeting also discussed a future collaborative event on climate-smart urban laws in Africa by UN-Habitat, KAS and IALS. The session concluded with an emphasis of the importance of effective legislation and the need for clear objectives and appropriate rules to achieve desired sustainability outcomes.
b. Wednesday 06 Nov 2024
Spatial co-visioning and stakeholder engagement in the urban-rural interface. Methods, tools and processes. (organized by Technical University of Berlin)
During this training event, UN-Habitat discussed their methodology for stakeholder involvement in strategic regional planning at the urban rural interface, focusing on the interconnectedness of cities and extended interlands through diverse material flows and relationships. The session also introduced a game to train this approach and shared their background in the project Urban Rural Assembly, which focuses on sustainable transformations in two regions, Germany and China. The conversation ended with feedback on the workshop's methodology and suggestions for further development and application of the methodology in different regions.
Bridging Divides - Residential Segregation in Asia and Africa (organized by National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), India)
The event explored residential segregation in African and Asian cities, focusing on its drivers, impacts, and solutions to advance SDG 10 and SDG 11. Discussions highlighted how climate vulnerability, housing access, and COVID-19 have exacerbated segregation, emphasizing the need for localized, inclusive solutions. Case studies from Cairo and Cape Town illustrated the historical and systemic roots of inequality, including colonialism and apartheid, as well as contemporary challenges. UN-Habitat discussed the interplay between inequality, urban policy, and systemic challenges, emphasizing the importance of policy coherence across sectors like housing, transport, and employment, mixed-use development, and empowering local authorities to address spatial inequalities and foster equitable, resilient urban development.
Linking Agrifood Systems to Urban Development: a collaborative roadmap for achieving collective impact (organized by FAO)
This event highlighted the importance of integrating urban agrifood systems into urban development agendas to address food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience in growing urban areas. Discussions centered on financial strategies to support these systems, building on insights from the Urban Agrifood Systems Global Workshop hosted by FAO and ICLEI in September 2024.
Nature, Land, and Cities: What nature positive cities look like in the Arab region (organized by UNCCD)
The session explored the role of urban-rural linkages in achieving land neutrality through integrated land use planning, ecosystem restoration, and nature-based solutions (NBS). Panellists emphasized the convergence of land, biodiversity, and climate mandates, highlighting the role of community engagement, capacity development, and inclusive planning. Discussions addressed challenges in implementing NBS, particularly in the Arab region, stressing collaboration, education, and financing to foster sustainable urban development and create new economies. Initiatives like the G20's goal to reduce land degradation by 50% by 2040 were showcased, alongside tools such as UN-Habitat’s and UNCCD’s primer on Urban-Rural Linkages and Land. The event underscored the urgency of addressing urbanization and environmental challenges while fostering societal transformation and climate resilience.
Building Sustainable Urban Futures - Metropolitan Governance and Antifragility (organized by Politecnico di Milano)
The meeting addressed urban sustainability and metropolitan governance, emphasizing resilience, inclusivity, and integrated planning to tackle systemic inequalities and foster sustainable development. Discussions showcased examples from Milan, Cairo, Barcelona, and Albania, highlighting innovative frameworks for urban planning, sustainable mobility, housing, and resource efficiency. Key themes included redefining urban concepts, managing informal growth, and adopting anti-fragility and collaborative approaches for future resilience. The dialogue also stressed the importance of ESG investments, inclusive decision-making, and data democratization. The event concluded with a call for a think tank to exchange ideas and promote holistic, multidimensional strategies for sustainable urban futures.
c. Thursday 07 Nov 2024
National Urban Policy: The New Constitution of Urbanization in Egypt (organized by the General Organization for Physical Planning (GOPP), Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, Egypt)
The event focused on Egypt’s urbanization journey, showcasing its transition to a national urban policy developed since 2008 and now approved for launch by the supreme council. Panelists, including the UN-Habitat Deputy Executive Director, highlighted Egypt’s strategies to address rapid urbanization, such as developing new cities like the "New Administrative Capital," renovating older buildings, and implementing a national housing project aligned with Egypt Vision 2050 and the SDGs. Discussions emphasized improving urban-rural linkages for regional balance and applauded strong collaboration among government ministries, the private sector, UN-Habitat, and NGOs. The policy’s implementation will involve public consultations, awareness campaigns, and a robust evidence-based monitoring framework.
Planning megacities in the age of digital technology (organized by Seoul Institute)
The discussions highlighted the transformative potential of megacities in innovation and managing global challenges through digital technologies, particularly AI. Presentations from the Seoul Institute, Marmara Municipalities Union, Greater Cairo Region, and Ho Chi Minh City showcased AI and digital tools addressing urban challenges like congestion, governance, and resource management, emphasizing human-centric, inclusive approaches. Regional challenges in megacities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, were also explored. The session underscored the importance of digital transformation, combining AI with human creativity for sustainable urban development, and fostering global collaboration for equitable megacity solutions.
Localizing the SDGs for Inclusive Multilateralism: SDG Cities Legal Checklist (organized by Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP), Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA))
The event was an opportunity to showcase the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Cities Legal Checklist, a tool designed to help urban managers advance sustainability and resilience while implementing the 2030 Agenda. Developed by UN-Habitat in collaboration with key Commonwealth Associations, the checklist connects inclusive spatial planning, tenure security, institutional capacity, and climate-focused human rights. Aimed at impacting 1,000 cities and 1 billion lives by 2030, the tool emphasizes effective legislation and scrutinizing laws through five lenses to promote environmentally friendly urbanization. The session also highlighted the importance of effective legislation in achieving global sustainability goals and the need to scrutinize laws through five lenses.
Parliamentarians Roundtable (organized by UN-Habitat and IPU)
The meetings emphasized the role of parliamentarians in advancing sustainable development, implementing the SDGs, and addressing critical issues like housing inequality, gender equality, and climate change. Discussions highlighted the need for gender-responsive legal frameworks, unified laws against violence against women, and actionable policies for sustainable urbanization and climate resilience, particularly in Africa and the Sahel region. Participants called for greater youth involvement at the local level, enhanced coordination among stakeholders, and solutions to funding challenges. The sessions concluded with hopes for continued collaboration and increased representation in future dialogues.
Pioneering Urban Law in Vietnam. Knowledge Sharing on Urban Legislation for Sustainable Urban Development in Oman, Saudi Arabia (organized by Ministry of Construction, Vietnam; Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (MoMRAH))
The session on urban legislation highlighted the importance of clear, effective laws in promoting sustainable urban development, with case studies from Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's Spatial Planning Act was showcased as a key tool for achieving national sustainability goals. The discussion emphasized evidence-based approaches, stakeholder engagement, and contextualized best practices for modernizing urban laws. Participants explored how innovative tools and methodologies, such as those provided by UN-Habitat, can support systematic legal reforms. The session equipped attendees with insights into identifying and addressing legislative gaps to create functional and targeted urban policies.
d. Friday 08 Nov 2024
Urban-rural linkages: experiences from Bamako and Ouagadougou (organized by Greater Bamako)
The event focused on the theme of urban-rural relations, particularly in the context of metropolitanization, with exchanges on the development and challenges of Greater Bamako and Greater Ouagadougou. Participants stressed the importance of integrated territorial development, public participation and sustainable development, including water management and waste recycling. The conversation ended with the publication of a book on the development of Greater Bamako.
Local Solutions for an integrated River Resource Management for Urban Development with Dibamba River in Douala- Cameroon (Organized by Arcadis)
The event, Local Solutions for Integrated River Resource Management in Urban Development, highlighted collaborative efforts by stakeholders such as Arcadis, the City of Douala, the Municipality of Dibamba, MAETUR, and UN-Habitat. The event focused on regulating river activities to balance ecological protection and sustainable development in Cameroon's Littoral Region, offering insights into practices and strategies for integrated river management that can be adapted globally.
Bilateral consultations
The World Urban Forum was another opportunity to review progress in the wide range of PLGS partnerships, while also fostering new partnerships aligned with the shared global vision of a sustainable urban future. During WUF12, UN-Habitat, through PLGS, held over 14 bilateral and multilateral consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government bodies, international organizations, academic institutions, and various other partners. These discussions underscored the growing recognition of the importance of collective action and strategic partnerships in harnessing opportunities to address urban challenges and advance sustainability goals. It became evident that concerted efforts across all sectors are essential to create resilient and inclusive urban environments for the future.
Solidifying partnerships
It was at these bilateral consultations that the partnerships were solidified through the signing of MoUs. Three agreements were signed during WUF12:
a. UN-Habitat ad the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development - UN-Habitat and the OECD renewed their agreement, to continue collaborating on various thematic areas on urban development, including national urban policy, housing, planning and design, urban and metropolitan governance, mobility, financing urban development, and localization of the SDGs.
A Call to Action
The final day of the forum marked the successful conclusion of the record-breaking event, with over 25,000 diverse participants from 182 countries, who took time to explore the theme of “It All Starts at Home” in their thematic backgrounds, sectors and contexts. In addition, attendees reflected on the powerful discussions and actionable insights exchanged throughout the Forum. The closing ceremony saw the unveiling of the Cairo Call to Action, a document encapsulating key messages and ideas from the discussions. Egypt then officially passed the baton to Azerbaijan, host of WUF13, marking a momentous transition. PLGS concluded its active engagement at WUF12 by solidifying its contributions within the forum’s key messages while promoting policy, legislation, governance, urban-rural linkages, and metropolitan management.