Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Sherif El Sherbini opened the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF), hosted by Egypt from November 4-8, Invest-Gate reports.

Global leaders participated to discuss housing, sustainable development, urban technology transformation, and prioritizing human-centered development.

El Sherbini welcomed Ana Claudia Rossbach, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, and other dignitaries, underscoring the forum’s focus on collective councils addressing issues impacting citizens’ welfare and economic development. “We gather to initiate councils addressing critical topics linked to citizens’ interests and sustainable economic development goals,” El Sherbini said.

The Women’s Council, he noted, seeks to promote gender equality and empowerment by identifying and addressing barriers that limit women’s progress.

Moreover, the council will propose actionable recommendations for local implementation, fostering women’s advancement by ensuring access to education, vocational training, digital skills, services, and suitable housing.

El Sherbini further highlighted the role of the Children and Youth Council, which will focus on youth’s contribution to sustainable urban development. Reflecting recent outcomes from the Future Summit, the council will explore child welfare in urban planning and align youth interests with sustainable development goals.

Furthermore, it will provide innovative strategies for urban challenges and seek policy-level changes to support youth-driven positive change.

Notably, The forum stands as a critical platform for developing actionable insights on global urban challenges, fostering policies that will shape inclusive and resilient cities worldwide