United Nations in Egypt

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Egypt:

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30 May 2024

Towards More Effective, Fit for Future UN Peacekeeping operations

Op-edBY Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director of Public Diplomacy DepartmentElena Panova, UN in Egypt Resident Coordinator As we mark the 76th anniversary of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, we are reminded of the long and proud history, with more than one million peacekeepers having served in more than 70 operations on four continents since its establishment in 1948. Over the past seven decades, UN peacekeepers have tirelessly worked to mitigate conflicts, protect civilians, provide basic security guarantees, respond to crises and facilitate the transition to sustainable peace in some of the world's most challenging settings. In doing so, they have helped countries close the chapter of conflict and open a path to sustainable development, even if major peacebuilding challenges remain.Egypt has been a key supporter of UN peacekeeping efforts, contributing troops, police, civilians, and expertise to numerous missions across the globe. It built up an impressive record of peacekeeping achievements over more than 60 years of its existence. Egypt is one of the key countries that made these successes possible. Since 1960 when it first sent troops to the UN Operation in Congo, more than 30,000 Egyptians have served in 37 peacekeeping missions in 24 countries.As one of the largest contributors of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping, Egypt currently deploys 1602 military and police personnel to the UN peace operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and the Western Sahara.As impressive as Egypt’s peacekeeping achievements are over more than 60 years of peacekeeping operations existence, so is Egypt’s sacrifice, with 60 brave Egyptian blue helmets paying the ultimate sacrifice in service of peace.Egypt’s service and sacrifice are recognized globally, demonstrated by its re-election as rapporteur of the UN Special Peacekeeping Operations Committee and its recent election as Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission. Furthermore, the adoption of the Cairo Roadmap on Enhancing Peacekeeping Operations as the African Union’s position shows Egypt’s strong leadership in this area.And through the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA), indeed, Egypt has provided a leading voice from the Global South on a wide range of topics, including conflict prevention and resolution, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The CCCPA stands out as an African Union Center of Excellence, and the only civilian training center on issues of peace and security. Through effective partnership with the United Nations Family in Egypt, CCCPA has emerged as a pillar for fostering dialogue, negotiation and mediation; early warning and early response and crisis management in Africa and the Arab world.In today's complex and evolving security landscape, the need for effective multilateral cooperation has never been greater. Conflicts continue to erupt, often with devastating humanitarian consequences. UN peacekeeping missions are also facing unprecedented, growing threat from the weaponization of digital tools, with hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation undermining their vital work, and fueling violence against peacekeeping personnel, partners, and communities. The United Nations chose as theme for this year’s International Day of UN Peacekeepers: “Fit for the future, building better together,” pointing out the paramount importance for peacekeeping operations to adapt to the changing political landscape and nature of conflicts which have become more complex and interconnected. As peacekeeping has evolved to reflect the populations they serve, women have become increasingly part of the peacekeeping family – making operations more effective. It’s also an area where Egypt has been an active player, with Egyptian female peacekeepers – currently 102 brave Egyptian women are serving with 5 missions across Africa - considered as role models in the peacekeeping missions where they serveIn the words of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, “in order for our peacekeepers to respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow, they need the world’s support.” In this regard, countries will not be able to address conflict prevention and resolution in an inclusive and sustainable manner without taking into account young people’s perspectives in planning and decision-making. The UN Security Council Resolution #2250 on Youth, Peace and Security is a landmark as it acknowledges the important role youth can play in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.Furthermore, the climate crisis poses an increasing threat to global peace and security, with rising sea levels, droughts, floods and other climate-related events, and highlights the need for UN peace operations around the world to adapt and mitigate the risk of climate driven conflicts. Despite its limited contribution to global warming, Africa disproportionately faces the worst of climate change impacts. The COP27 Presidency’s flagship initiative titled “Climate Responses for Sustaining Peace” (CRSP), has taken a leading role in this regard, by spearheading a discussion on how climate change may exacerbate the risks of violence, conflict or other national vulnerabilities, and the need to approach these through a multifaceted and holistic way. Egypt took the initiative even further by launching the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development. The forum, with the next edition scheduled for 2-3 July in Cairo, provides the first of its kind platform in Africa to address the interlinkages between peace and development, championing Africa-led solutions and addressing peacebuilding through a climate lens.Looking ahead, this International Day of UN Peacekeepers reminds us that collective commitment to a stronger engagement for advancing political solutions to conflict is needed more than ever. As the Secretary-General puts it, “UN Peacekeeping is a remarkable enterprise of multilateralism and international solidarity.” In September, member states will meet at the Summit of the Future, where they will jointly tackle how to respond to the world's emerging threats. In this important forum, UN member states have a responsibility to champion multilateralism, join forces and chart a more effective, accountable and inclusive peacekeeping operations, as laid out in the New Agenda for Peace." The New Agenda for Peace is the UN Secretary-General’s vision for strengthening multilateral action for peace, based on international law, in a world in transition.

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23 May 2024

Galvanizing action for the SDGs, how UN Country Team and Private Sector are leveraging partnerships for Sustainable Development

Cairo, Egypt – The first of its kind, a session brought together a wide range of private sector representatives, along with the UN Country Team (UNCT) to collectively strategize and enhance cooperation towards accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Egypt. Held as part of the UNCT’s annual retreat, the event marked a significant step in leveraging partnerships to deliver on sustainable development, with six key transitions in focus.Highlighting the UN position as a convening power, the session saw the active participation of 16 private sector leaders, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of sustainability and inclusive growth. Among the distinguished attendees were Mirna Arif, Country Manager, Microsoft, Hesham El-Naggar, Vice Chairman of the Board, Daltex, and Eng. Mohamed Zaki El-Sewedy, Chairman of the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI).These business leaders, along with others, engaged in insightful and thought-provoking discussions on how their respective business entities can contribute to and benefit from sustainable development initiatives. Accelerating the SDGs through key transitions and enabling actionsCentral to the discussions were the six transitions identified as pivotal for Egypt’s sustainable development. These include: food systems, energy access and affordability, digital connectivity, education, jobs and social protection, and climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.With only 15 percent of the SDGs on track, the participants emphasized the need for innovative and collaborative approaches to these transitions. In particular, the private sector entities and the UN heads of agencies brainstormed on localizing these transitions and identifying enabling actions to collectively advance priority transitions. Private sector insights and commitments Private sector representatives shared valuable insights and experiences, highlighting the potential for impactful partnerships.What the UN in Egypt started today will be the beginning of a journey, noted Mirna Aref of Microsoft. She stressed that bringing together UN agencies and the private sector to brainstorm was the essence of inclusion and an important step towards making an impact together.For his part, Hesham El-Naggar of Daltex, pointed out to a growing trend among private companies that focuses on the dual goals of profitability and community support, advocating for partnerships that prioritize sustainability alongside profitability.The gender perspective was also taken into account, with FEI Chairman Mohamed Zaki El-Sewedy referring to plans to integrate more women into the labor force, especially in rural areas, not as a corporate social responsibility program but as a mutual benefit. Call to Action: Strengthening UN-Private Sector PartnershipsThe session concluded with a call to action from the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova, who stressed the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration. "This is the first time we have had such a collective conversation between the UN and the private sector. This needs to continue. We should now work on developing solutions to support Egypt’s sustainable development," she said. The participants collectively acknowledged the need for ongoing commitment and the creation of platforms to prioritize, coordinate, and integrate strengthened UN-private sector partnerships. The focus will be on supporting SDGs, particularly in the areas of decent jobs, education, and food systems.

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05 March 2024

"Voices of Impact" podcast opening episode features UN Egypt Resident Coordinator

The United Nations Information Centre in Cairo announced the launch of its new podcast, "Voices of Impact: UN in Egypt", with the UN in Egypt Resident Coordinator, Elena Panoa, being its first guest. This flagship podcast is set to shed light on the significant work carried out by the United Nations in Egypt, marking an important milestone in the enduring and successful partnership between the United Nations and Egypt, as a founding member of the international organization.“Voices of Impact: UN in Egypt" serves as an inspiring platform to explore and highlight the impactful initiatives, programs, and collaborations led by the United Nations within the Egyptian context. Through engaging discussions, interviews, and narratives, the podcast aims to showcase the multifaceted efforts undertaken to address pressing global challenges while fostering development, sustainability, and peace in Egypt and beyond.A wide array of perspectives will be presented, including UN officials, governmental and non-governmental organization representatives, experts, influencers, beneficiaries, and community leaders. The podcast will provide a comprehensive and insightful overview of the United Nations' invaluable contributions to Egypt's development journey and its commitment to leaving no one behind.As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, the podcast will underscore the significance of multilateralism and international cooperation in tackling global issues effectively, by highlighting success stories, innovations, and collaborative partnerships. "Voices of Impact: UN in Egypt" aims to inspire individuals, communities, and stakeholders to actively contribute to positive change and sustainable development efforts.

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04 November 2024

WUF12: The ON UN Egypt Pavilion Highlights Efforts to Empower a New System of Balanced Cities in Egypt

Cairo - The One UN Egypt Pavilion at the 12th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) today hosted a panel discussion, under the title “Balanced System of Cities for Green Transition and Inclusive Growth across the Urban-Rural Quantum”, aiming to launch a call for collective action to build on existing efforts in Egypt to address the imbalanced system of cities, through collective efforts to enable a new model of balanced cities that contributes to achieving sustainable development goals. UN-Habitat Egypt Country Director, Ahmed Rezk, moderated a vibrant panel discussion featuring the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova; Dr. Abdel Khalek Ibrahim, Assistant Minister of Housing; Dr. Hisham Elhelbawy, Assistant Minister of Local Development for National Projects and Director of the Local Development Program in Upper Egypt; Engineer Amr Lashin, Deputy Governor of Aswan; Mr. Guido Clare, Head of the Regional Center for North Africa and the Middle East at the European Investment Bank; Ms. Lamia Kamal-Chaoui, Director of the Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises Centre and Regions and Cities at OECD; and Dr. Salma Yousry, Director of Urban Development Program at UN-Habitat.The session began with a welcoming note by the UN Habitat Egypt Country Director, followed by a technical presentation Dr. Salma Yousry, on the balanced system of urbanization. In her remarks during the session, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova, highlighted spatial imbalances in Egypt, citing Ministry of Planning and Economic Development data, which indicates that Greater Cairo generates 45% of Egypt's GDP, while Alexandria contributes 15%.Panova noted that Cairo particularly dominates the Egyptian economy, with jobs, major companies, and private investments concentrated in the capital city, while many other Egyptian cities lack the capacity for robust growth and job creation Meanwhile, the movement of people to Cairo and Alexandria—more than 70% of internal migration—increases pressure on services, housing, and jobs, she added. This all contributes to a vicious cycle: people leave smaller cities because of limited employment opportunities, which in turn further depresses the attractiveness of these areas as economic centers, leaving even fewer economic opportunities for the population,” Panova said. The UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt also highlighted the UN's role in coordinating various efforts to support more inclusive and balanced development that contributes to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the GDP growth. She explained that the UN's approach in Egypt toward more balanced development among different cities and regions relies on a coordinated effort across all UN agencies, which leverages the collective expertise of the UN system.For the UN in Egypt—according to Ms. Panova— this starts with our Cooperation Framework with the Government signed in 2023. We see this as our roadmap for collaborative action towards realizing the SDGs in Egypt.Panova mentioned that many UN agencies are already active at the local level across Egypt, working with diverse demographic, geographic, and economic sectors, which has made a difference in boosting development outside major urban areas. However, she pointed to the need to expand this work, noting that the UN in Egypt will soon launch a multi-agency program on SDG localization, involving UN-Habitat, the UNDP and UNICEF, to be financed by the Joint SDG Fund. With over 80% of global GDP generated in cities, urbanization is vital for prosperity. In Egypt, however, rapid urban growth has strained cities' capacity to meet population needs, exacerbated by climate change, leading to further inequality, increased migration patterns, and a widened poverty gap in many cities. This left 70% of Egyptian cities with low development capabilities, lacking productivity, quality of life, and access to resources. Egypt’s National Urban Policy seeks to balance this by enhancing city competitiveness, connectivity, and resilience. Through integrated development, including human capital growth, circular economy, and mainstreaming climate action, cities can support national growth and offer better opportunities for Egyptians.

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31 October 2024

UN Egypt Resident Coordinator: World Cities Day Celebrations Highlight Egypt’s Commitment to Sustainable Urban Development

Alexandria (31 October 2024) – The UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova, participated in the Global Observance of World Cities Day, hosted at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina by the Egyptian government, represented by the Ministry of Local Development and UN-Habiat.The celebration, attended by Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach, Minister of Local Development Manal Awad, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, and Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, was held just days ahead of the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12). Convened by UN-Habitat, WUF12 will take place in Cairo, Egypt, from November 4 to 8, 2024, marking the forum’s return to Africa after more than 20 years after its inaugural session in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2002. In her remarks, Ms. Panova expressed her happiness to see Egypt once again at the center of the World Cities Day global celebration, following Luxor's success in 2021, noting it as another opportunity to showcase Egypt’s dedication to sustainable urban development.The Resident Coordinator emphasized the significance of hosting the event in Alexandria, a coastal city that stands at the forefront of the climate change battle, facing sea-level rise and extreme weather events. She commended Alexandria and its young people for finding sustainable solutions to preserve its unique heritage and build a resilient future.Ms. Panova highlighted that the fight for sustainable development will be won or lost in cities, given that over half of the global population currently lives in urban areas, a figure – she said- expected to rise to two-thirds by 2050, noting that cities are responsible for around 70% of global emissions, and urban dimensions are integral to two-thirds of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The "Pact for the Future," endorsed by world leaders at the September Summit of the Future in New York, is a renewed call to action, committing to sustainable development, equality, and peace, including making cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, she added. The UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt also affirmed that The UN in Egypt is a proud partner in this effort. We have made sustainable and balanced urban development a priority in our Cooperation Framework with the Government of Egypt, the cornerstone of our joint efforts to accelerate the SDGs. We have also put youth (60% of Egypt’s population) at the center of all our work.”Ms. Panova commended the Egyptian government for its continued partnership with the UN system in implementing the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda. This year’s World Cities Day celebration centers on youth leadership for climate action and local urban sustainability, under the theme “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalyzing Local Action for Urban Sustainability”. Panova highlighted that youth hold solutions to climate challenges as they are sources of climate action today, and will be our leaders tomorrow. "Today on World Cities Day, we recognize both the need for sustainable urbanization and the important role that young people are playing in shaping a brighter future for our cities and our planet,” she said. In closing, Ms. Panova conveyed UN Secretary-General António Guterres' call on World Cities Day, to celebrate the power of youth to build green, resilient and inclusive cities that meet the needs and aspirations of future generations.The diverse celebration featured Shanghai Awards Winners announcement and presentation by the Minister of Local Development and the Executive Director of UN-Habitat to five cities worldwide: Agadir (Morocco), Thiruvananthapuram (India), Doha (Qatar), Iztapalapa (Mexico), and Melbourne (Australia). Additionally, Alexandria Governor Major General Ahmed Khaled received an honorary certificate recognizing the historic city of Alexandria. The Shanghai Award, presented by UN-Habitat and the Shanghai Municipality, aims to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. The event also included a public-private dialogue on sustainable investment for climate resilience. The dialogue explored how private investments drive climate adaptation and public-private partnerships in urban development.Furthermore, a high-level ministerial panel saw a global discussion on how cities can combat climate change and build a resilient future.

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18 October 2024

Egypt.. Fostering Fair Labor Practices and Social Justice

Cairo, Egypt – In the latest episode of the United Nations podcast in Egypt, "Voices of Impact," hosted by Mohamed El-Koossy, Deputy Director of the UN Information Centre in Cairo, Eric Oechslin, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office in Cairo, highlights the organization's pivotal role in promoting social justice and decent work while addressing the issue of child labor in Egypt and globally. Since its establishment in 1919, the ILO has been at the forefront of advocating for fair labor practices and social justice. Historical Background and Current EffortsThe ILO was founded after World War I with the primary goal of promoting fair labor standards and social justice. Over the years, the organization has focused on reducing gender gaps and advocating for equality in the workplace. Despite progress in legislation, achieving full gender equality remains an ongoing challenge. The ILO continues to address these issues by working with governments, employers, and workers.Understanding Social JusticeSocial justice involves the fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within society. It aims to correct disparities based on gender, race, socioeconomic status, and other factors to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities, fair wages, and decent working conditions. While significant steps have been taken, global social justice has not yet been fully realized. The ILO remains committed to closing gender gaps, ensuring fair treatment, and achieving equitable wage distribution through various initiatives and partnerships.Combating Child LaborChild labor remains a critical issue for the ILO. With millions of children engaged in harmful work, the organization is dedicated to eliminating the worst forms of child labor. Mr. Oechslin highlighted efforts to implement national plans in Egypt aimed at reducing child labor and improving conditions for affected children. These efforts are crucial to ensuring that children enjoy their rights to education and play rather than being exploited for economic gain.Impact and Future GoalsThe impact of the ILO in Egypt is evident through its diverse programs and partnerships. By collaborating with government bodies, private sector partners, and international organizations, the ILO focuses on improving job opportunities, enhancing financial literacy, and supporting entrepreneurial initiatives. The ILO's Director in Egypt expressed a personal commitment to addressing child labor, emphasizing that effective measures and increased awareness are essential to eradicate this issue.Key Achievements Under Oechslin 's LeadershipEric Oechslin is a leading advocate for child labor reform, emphasizing the importance of enabling children to benefit from education and play rather than working in exploitative conditions. Among the ILO’s initiatives, Oechslin estimates that programs promoting entrepreneurship and financial education are vital for empowering individuals and stimulating economic growth. During Oechslin's tenure, the ILO has achieved significant milestones, including progress in labor rights legislation and heightened efforts to combat child labor. These achievements underscore the organization's ongoing commitment to improving working conditions and promoting social justice.The ILO's Role in the Egyptian Labor MarketThe ILO plays a crucial role in the Egyptian labor market by supporting fair labor practices and improving working conditions. This includes collaborating with various stakeholders to promote decent work and address labor market challenges. The organization’s programs encompass financial literacy initiatives and tools for business development, aiming to help individuals and companies thrive in a fair working environment.Future ProjectsLooking ahead, Oechslin highlighted two major projects the organization is focusing on: enhancing the judiciary's role in labor rights and supporting migrant workers. These projects aim to strengthen legal frameworks and provide better job opportunities and support for vulnerable groups.The ILO’s efforts in Egypt and globally are an essential part of promoting fair labor practices and advancing social justice. Through dedicated programs and international cooperation, the organization continues to work towards achieving a more equitable world of work.

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21 September 2024

Peace Day: UN Egypt Resident Coordinator Commends Egypt as Anchor of Regional and Global Peace

Marking the International Day of Peace, 21 September 2024, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova, recognized Egypt as an anchor of regional and international peace.“In today's complex and evolving security landscape, the need for effective multilateral cooperation has never been greater,” Panova wrote on X.“On the International Day of Peace, I reiterate the UN's appreciation of Egypt as a key multilateral player and indispensable anchor of regional and international peace.” Earlier in the day, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN in Egypt marked the occasion with a joint message posted on X, underlining the UN Charter’s principles of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, respect for equal rights, and the self-determination of peoples to strengthen universal peace.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN in Egypt further emphasized the importance of joint action to promote regional and international peace. Throughout the day, the UN in Egypt is marking the occasion with a dedicated social media campaign, highlighting Egypt’s contributions and commitment to the advancement of regional and global peace, multilateralism, and the importance of collective efforts in fostering a culture of peace. The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the day as a period of non-violence and ceasefire.This year's International Day of Peace is commemorated under the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” marking the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. In his message for the International Day of Peace, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that the “catalogue of human misery must stop,” noting, “everywhere we look, peace is under attack. From Gaza to Sudan, to Ukraine and beyond, we see civilians in the firing line; homes blown apart; traumatized, terrified populations who have lost everything – and sometimes everyone.” The UN Chief issued a global call to seize this month’s Summit of the Future as a vital opportunity to advance global peace. According to the Secretary-General, this means “cultivating a culture of peace by replacing division, disempowerment, and despair with justice, equality, and hope for all.”He further highlighted the need to focus on preventing conflict, propelling the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting human rights, and tackling all forms of discrimination and hate.

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09 September 2024

Mobilizing regional momentum: UN Egypt’s Panova briefs Arab League on Summit of the Future

In an effort to catalyze regional ambition ahead of the Summit of the Future, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova, on Sunday 8 September, briefed the League of Arab States (LAS) Member States on the Summit, highlighting its critical importance for creating a path for a better world for all. Panova’s briefing, generously facilitated by the Permanent Representative of Egypt to the UN, Ambassador Osama Abdel Khaleq, took place during the 162nd ordinary session of the LAS council at the level of permanent delegates.Using a comprehensive presentation detailing the Summit’s agenda, objectives and key expected outcomes, Panova underlined the need to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to achieve effective international cooperation and tackle emerging threats and opportunities. In particular, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt briefed LAS permanent representatives on the Pact for the Future, a key action-oriented outcome document that will be negotiated and endorsed by countries in the lead-up to and during the Summit. World leaders are also expected to adopt a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations as annexes to the Pact for the Future. Panova noted that the Pact supports developing countries’ aspirations and goes beyond any other multilateral agreement so far on international financial architecture reform by delivering a high-level political direction for transformation. Taking place on 22-23 September, the Summit of the Future will bring together world leaders at the United Nations to forge a new international consensus on how to deliver a better present and safeguard the future, for the sake of all humanity and for future generations.

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Press Release

04 November 2024

Secretary-General's video message to the World Urban Forum

Dear Friends,You represent urban areas which are home to more than half of humanity.

You are on the frontlines of shaping a more inclusive, connected and resilient world.

And you are at the heart of where lasting change happens. As your theme rightly puts it: “It all starts at home”.Real progress begins at the local level.On the ground.In communities and people’s lives.World leaders have just adopted the Pact for the Future.It is an important new tool to advance our vital work, accelerate the SDGs, and address inequalities.It calls for ensuring adequate, safe and affordable housing for all -- and supporting developing countries to plan and implement just, safe, healthy, accessible, resilient and sustainable cities. We need this more than ever.Cities generate 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. And municipal waste is set to rise by two-thirds within a generation.Not only are cities powerful engines of social and economic development, they are also catalysts of sustainable solutions. I see local and regional authorities as a crucial part of the answer on so many issues and at every level, including at the United Nations.We can all benefit from your insights and ideas. That’s why I created the UN Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments.I know over the next five days this Forum will have the chance to delve into the complexities and opportunities of sustainable urban development.I invite you to seek innovations and inspiration and take them back to your communities. And to help develop infrastructure and public services for all, including women and girls.Local actions are the building blocks for future green, just and resilient cities.Together, let’s make sustainable urbanization a reality.And let’s ensure that no one and nowhere is left behind.Thank you.

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Press Release

03 November 2024

World Urban Forum: The search for solutions to the global housing crisis moves to Cairo

What is the World Urban Forum?The World Urban Forum (WUF), a major UN conference on sustainable urban development, was set up in 2001 to address global urbanisation, one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. Since then, a forum has been held every two years and this year, the conference takes place from 4 to 8 November in Cairo, Egypt.Since it began, the forum has helped the UN agency for sustainable towns and cities, UN-Habitat, to collect information on cases and trends and build partnerships and coalitions in order to support its work and find solutions to the global housing crisis and such major crises as climate change, conflicts and poverty.© UNICEF/BindraVehicle emissions, diesel generators, the burning of biomass and garbage have all contributed to poor air quality in Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria. (file 2016)Why is it important?Today, around 50 per cent of the global population live in cities, and this is expected to rise to 70 per cent by 2050. The move to urban centres is having a major impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change and policies.Much of the growth will take place in Africa, where the population is projected to nearly double over the next 30 years. Cairo, along with several African cities, is likely to become one of the world’s largest metropolitan hubs, housing more than 10 million people by 2035.“I see WUF as a big coalition in support of transformative change,” Anacláudia Rossbach, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, told UN News. “Its goal is to promote collaboration and cooperation between those involved in advancing and implementing sustainable urban development.”© UNICEF/Farhana SatuA polluted canal flows through a slum on the outskirts of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.What is this year’s theme?The theme of WUF12 It all starts at home: Local actions for sustainable cities and communities emphasises that solutions must begin where people live, work and build their lives.There will be a focus on local actions to address the global housing crisis, which is being compounded by climate change and growing inequalities.“By bringing the discussion closer to home and focusing on local actions, we aim to translate global goals into tangible improvements in people’s lives,” said Ms. Rossbach. “WUF12 will serve as a platform to discuss and learn from successful local initiatives, ensuring that progress made in one city can inspire and inform similar efforts elsewhere.”Delegates will also learn about the many ways that urban planners and authorities are making cities more sustainable by, for example, developing green spaces, parks and urban forests, which help mitigate the heat island effect, improve air quality and enhance biodiversity.Cortesía SEDATUThe Bicentennial Park in Ecatepec, MexicoWhat comes next?One tangible outcome of the conference for Cairo will be the revitalisation of Al Asmarat, a low-income neighbourhood. The initiative, in collaboration with the governor of Cairo, is part of a plan to turn the city into a living exhibition of sustainable urbanism.“This initiative is a demonstration of our belief that every city, every community and every resident has a role to play in building a better future,” declared Ms. Rossbach.For UN-Habitat, the successful outcome of WUF12 will involve the establishment of new partnerships and coalitions to advance sustainable urban development, furthering both the agency’s New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, both of which propose a vision of a better and more sustainable future for all.The agency will also continue working closely with local authorities and inspiring activists on urban projects that are changing lives in cities across the world. For example, in Kibera, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, UN-Habitat is working with a grassroots organization to regenerate the Ngong River and improve the environment for the local community. In Yangon, Myanmar, the agency is working closely with local groups to introduce large rainwater harvesting tanks, providing safe, affordable water to some of the city’s most vulnerable people, and in Bolivia, UN-Habitat has supported the country’s development of a national plan with clear goals to improve the quality of life for city residents.Where can I find out more?The full conference programme can be found on the official World Urban Forum website.

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Press Release

24 October 2024

Egypt and the UN: foundations deeply rooted in the past and visionary insight for the future

Almost a month ago, with Egypt’s participation, the Summit of the Future took place in New York, unanimously regarded as an opportunity to rebuild trust in the international multilateral system, with the UN at its heart. For us, the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations – the three landmark agreements adopted by the Summit – are certainly key pillars to achieving this goal. Egypt’s active participation in the Summit reflected the country's leadership and vision on key global issues and its dedication to creating a more equitable and inclusive international system. As a strong advocate for sustainable development and financing for development, international peace and security, science, technology and innovation and digital cooperation, youth and future generations, and transforming global governance, Egypt’s voice has been crucial in shaping the outcomes of the Summit, which aimed to laying the foundation for a new global compact.Egypt seized the Summit, a once-in-a-generation opportunity, to announce its Integrated National Financing Strategy - the first in the Arab States region - as an extra mile towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering economic resilience. Egypt’s efforts to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various key sectors in alignment with the SDGs were also under the spotlight during the Summit. These national development efforts were accompanied with calls for creating proper international conditions through the reform of the multilateral economic structure. As the global economy is facing multiple shocks that are reversing progress on the SDGs, with developing countries losing many of their hard-won development gains, we recognize the UN Secretary-General’s SDG Stimulus plan. Launched in 2023, this initiative requires mobilizing broad support from both developed and developing countries through scaling up financing, addressing sovereign debt burdens and lowering the cost of borrowing for developing countries. This year, Egypt held its annual flagship initiative, the Aswan Forum, which provided a vibrant and unique platform for a wide range of African stakeholders, including policy makers, private sector and civil society as well as youth representatives. The aim was to re-envision global governance and amplify Africa’s priorities on peace, security, and development towards reforming the multilateral system and strengthening the international agenda for conflict prevention and peacebuilding.The partnership between the United Nations and Egypt offers a living testament to what can be achieved when global goals meet local commitment. The UN Egypt Country Team’s Annual Results Report 2023 highlights the joint achievements, which span across sectors aligned with Egypt’s development priorities. It’s a longstanding partnership that plays a vital role in implementing the SDGs. Together, we are advancing national priorities that align with these goals, such as our collective efforts to ensure strengthened human capital with a focus on children and youth as well as inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic development across all areas of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027.Also, in a few weeks, in November, we will see Egypt host the 12th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), a chance to collectively develop solutions for making cities more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. All these initiatives give more space for us to work jointly towards achieving more equitable and sustainable future. It is through such collective spirit and action that we can address complex global issues and ensure that no one is left behind. This is exactly the goal of our collaboration on local development projects and initiatives. We have been joining forces over the years to achieve tangible benefits for millions of people, ranging from addressing poverty and climate resilience to advancing women's empowerment and youth employment.Thus, we can’t but emphasize the necessity of upholding the principles and purposes of the United Nations, especially regarding the right of all peoples to self-determination, and through the peaceful resolution of international conflicts. In the Arab world, the Middle East, and the African continent, we are in a dire need of implementing all United Nations resolutions, which are the resolutions of international legitimacy. We rely on the rules of international law and international humanitarian law, which must be respected, everywhere, by all parties.On this United Nations Day, let’s all come together in the spirit of multilateralism. Our shared future depends on our ability to cooperate, innovate, and act with urgency. The challenges we face are significant, but we also have both promising potential and rock-solid resolve. By working together, we can achieve the peace, prosperity, and dignity that we all seek. Across the world, the United Nations will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and solidarity, a voice for the voiceless, and a catalyst for progress. Together, we can build a better, more equitable world for all. Our common Future depends on all of us, women and men.

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