The 12th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) was held in Cairo, Egypt, from 4 to 8 November 2024. This marked a historic moment as the Forum returned to the African continent after more than 20 years. WUF12 witnessed record-breaking participation, with over 25,000 attendees joining both in person and online from 182 countries.
The Forum featured an extensive program, including Plenary Sessions, Dialogues, Debates, Networking Sessions, Training Sessions, and Round Table Meetings. Experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from diverse sectors engaged in discussions centered on the theme “It All Starts at Home.” The sessions emphasized the importance of sustainable urban development, knowledge sharing, innovation, and collaborative action for building inclusive and resilient cities.
Participation from global leaders, policymakers, urban planners, and development professionals.
Active engagement in knowledge sharing, skill development, and networking activities.
Exploration of innovative approaches to sustainable and inclusive urban development.
Showcasing of India’s urban development initiatives at the India Pavilion during the Urban Expo.
The Closing Ceremony marked the unveiling of the Cairo Call to Action, a significant document summarizing key insights and commitments made during the Forum. The ceremony also included the official handover to Azerbaijan, which will host the World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13) in Baku, marking an important transition.
AIHDA, in coordination with HUDCO, organized and facilitated the participation of a delegation of senior officials from various States, Agencies, and HUDCO representatives. The delegation’s participation aligned with the objective of strengthening India’s urban transformation initiatives and promoting sustainable urban practices.
A key networking event titled:
“India’s Urban Transformative Missions: Mainstreaming Innovations into Practices for Sustainable, Inclusive & Stronger Cities”
was successfully held on 6 November 2024 in Cairo, highlighting India’s leadership and innovation in urban development.
The participation in WUF12 provided valuable insights, global exposure, and opportunities for collaboration. The Forum reinforced the importance of sustainable urban transformation and strengthened international partnerships to support India’s ongoing urban development missions.