Abdel Khaleq Ibrahim, Assistant Minister of Housing for Technical Affairs, has represented Assem El-Gazzar, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, in the opening session of the BRICS Urbanization Forum, Invest-Gate reports.

The forum took place in Moscow, Russia, and Ibrahim participated via video conference. The Russian government extended the invitation, and it was attended by the Russian Minister of Housing and Construction, the Chinese Deputy Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Brazilian Minister of Cities, the Indian Deputy Minister of Housing and Urban Development, the Chairman of the South African Land Administration, as well as representatives from the Emirati and Iranian governments.

In his speech, Ibrahim expressed the Egyptian Ministry of Housing’s warm welcome and willingness to collaborate with the relevant ministries involved in urban development matters within the BRICS countries.

He highlighted the key aspects of urban development in Egypt, with a particular focus on human rights, including access to housing, employment, and services. Under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Egyptian government has made significant efforts in providing alternative housing for over 1.5 mn individuals residing in unsafe slum areas, as well as offering housing units for more than 7 mn people. However, the challenge remains, as residential visits continue to pose a fundamental obstacle to urban development in Egypt.

During his speech, Ibrahim explained that the global urban population is projected to exceed 70% by 2045, with city residents contributing 80% of the global GDP. Consequently, Egypt’s urban development plan aims to increase the urbanization rate during the establishment of new urban communities, creating an environment conducive to attracting investment and stimulating the national economy.

After a decade of preparation, the Egyptian government has successfully initiated the implementation of more than 14 new smart sustainable cities. The completion of the initial phases of these cities will be announced by the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025.

Ibrahim extended the Housing Minister’s invitation to the forum participants to initiate collaborative efforts, including private sector involvement, particularly in the realm of low-cost housing. Affordable housing represents a crucial objective for the Egyptian government in the upcoming period, alongside the development of smart sustainable cities. Currently, the Egyptian government is in the process of implementing 14 out of a total of 38 new cities.