Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development, has confirmed that Egypt’s preparations for hosting the 12th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) are progressing rapidly, Invest-Gate reports.

The event is scheduled to take place on November 4-8 at Al Manara International Conference Center.

Awad highlighted the continuous coordination, operating round the clock, seven days a week, among various entities including the Ministry of Local Development, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Communities, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Cairo Governorate, relevant ministries and state bodies such as Foreign Affairs, Tourism, and Higher Education.

Noteworthy collaborators include the General Coordinator of the Forum, logistical and technical equipment providers, marketing and advertising companies for WUF12, and officials from Al Manara International Conference Centre.

Several official invitations have been extended to leaders, heads of governments, international figures, ministers, heads of international organizations, and entities invested in the themes of WUF12.

The forum is set to host 560 events and exhibitions, 6 high-level dialogue sessions, and 9 special sessions aimed at addressing global urban challenges and facilitating the exchange of experiences in sustainable urban development.

A significant session will focus on Egypt, providing insight into the country’s urban development initiatives over the past decade, including rapid urbanization, sustainable development, housing, and urban infrastructure.

Furthermore, Climate change adaptation challenges and their urban impact, as well as social issues like poverty reduction and social justice, are among the critical topics for discussion.

Awad emphasized the international interest in WUF12, with over 10,000 participants from 160 countries registered to partake in the forum’s activities. In the upcoming days, a global press conference is scheduled to unveil further details regarding the forum’s sessions, key participants, and activities pertinent to Egypt.