Cairo Governor Dr. Ibrahim Saber thanked President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for sponsoring the 12th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12). He also thanked everyone who contributed to the event's success and the positive outcome, which will reflect on the quality of life for citizens in cities around the world.
The governor’s remarks came during his speech at the closing ceremony of the 12th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) in the presence of the ministers of housing and local development and the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Program Anacláudia Rossbach.
Saber stated that the WUF12 activities concluded with the theme “It all starts at home: Local actions for sustainable cities and communities.”
Moreover, Saber said the forum sessions addressed local measures for sustainable cities and communities, where participants exchanged insights, ideas, and experiences regarding real challenges and practical solutions. These sessions resulted in numerous positive discussions, creating a roadmap for a better urban life for our citizens worldwide.
Saber also added that Cairo was honored to host this great forum, during which it presented a practical model of a 1,055-year-old ancient urban city. During this time, it has retained its heritage and overcame numerous accumulated challenges through development and modernization in various fields.
Furthermore, Saber pointed out that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi ordered several decisive measures to overcome various challenges over the past ten years, along with Prime Minister Dr. Mustafa Madbouli's support and follow-up for all projects that align with achieving the SDGs and Egypt's Vision 2030 to establish a new republic based on improving the quality of life for citizens and addressing their problems.
Saber added that the forum coincided with the Cairo Urban Week, which held many events and activities, such as a workshop on art and the Egyptian civilization's arts and culture at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the Cairo Bicycle Marathon Downtown.
The activities of Cairo Urban Week featured the inauguration of the public space project in Asmarat City in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Program and a workshop for the Quality of Life Initiative.
The forum’s activities included a program of city events, such as the inauguration of Al-Andalus Park after its renovation, where a crafts exhibition was held throughout the forum days in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.
It also included visits to the pottery village, Al-Moez Street, Khan El-Khalili, and the Heritage Crafts Complex, as well as artistic and cultural heritage events at Al-Azhar Park to explore the popular folklore.
The city's events concluded with a celebration at the Citadel, showcasing artistic and folk heritage in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Cairo Opera House.
At the end of his speech, Saber expressed his gratitude to all the entities and ministries that contributed to the success of this international event, as well as to the youth and volunteers and all local and international media for their outstanding coverage of the forum's activities and events.
Saber also thanked the team of the United Nations Human Settlements Program, led by. Anacláudia Rossbach, Rania Hedaya, and Ahmed Rizk, for their cooperation with the Egyptian government to ensure the forum's success and to present it in the best light. He also thanked Ambassador Atef Salem, the general coordinator of the forum.
Source: Media Department, Cairo Governorate
