The UAE took centre stage at the UAE World Urban Forum Cairo 2024, as Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, represented UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the landmark global gathering held from November 4–8, 2024.
UAE's Role at WUF12
The 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12), convened by UN-Habitat under Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's auspices, drew more than 37,000 participants from 182 countries — making it the largest World Urban Forum in history. Four heads of state, 60 ministers, and 96 mayors attended over 700 events across the five-day programme.
Sheikh Nahyan's attendance underscored the UAE's commitment to multilateralism and its active role in both regional and international discourse. He stated that the UAE strives not only to share its expertise in urban development but also to learn from international best practices and deepen cooperation on sustainable projects.
Addressing the Global Housing Crisis
The forum centred on the theme "It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities," focusing on localising the Sustainable Development Goals through community-led solutions to affordable housing, climate adaptation, and essential public services.
Sheikh Nahyan conveyed the greetings of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the Egyptian leadership, expressing hope that the forum would advance initiatives that benefit humanity. He highlighted that both the UAE and Egypt share a strong interest in partnerships and collaboration.
Delegates ultimately adopted the Cairo Call to Action, pledging urgent measures to tackle the global housing crisis while leveraging local action to achieve international development targets.
Sustainable Cities and Climate Challenges
The UAE held bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of WUF12, exchanging expertise on creating sustainable cities. Discussions focused on concrete societal challenges including climate change, social instability, and poverty alleviation.
The forum reinforced the UAE's positioning as a global sustainable development hub and its readiness to offer practical solutions to urbanisation challenges through innovation and partnership.
