Al-Mashat: The World Urban Forum is an opportunity to exchange experiences and collaborate to build more sustainable and resilient cities.
The Grand Egyptian Museum receives the EDGE certification as the first "green museum" in Africa for the second time.
Egyptian antiquities represent a true model of how to effectively and sustainably use available natural resources.
Sustainability is not merely an environmental goal; it is a culture and lifestyle that must be integrated into all aspects of urban life.
H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, delivered the keynote address at a special panel titled "Wisdom Behind Civilizations" during the World Urban Forum, hosted in Cairo from November 4–8. The panel also featured Mr. Michal Mlynár, Executive Director, United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat); Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo; Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Founding Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; Mr. Munir Manneh, UNRWA Director of Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme; Ms. Jyoti Hosagrahar, Deputy Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre; and Dr. Youssef Diab, Professor of Urban Sustainable Planning and Engineering at Gustave Eiffel University. The session was moderated by Ms. Chika Oduah, a documentary filmmaker.
In H.E.’s speech, Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that Egypt's hosting of the World Urban Forum reflects the growing global interest not only in urban development but also in connecting that development with sustainability—an issue now central to all discussions and decisions about the future of cities. H.E. described the forum as an important opportunity to exchange knowledge and collaborate on building more sustainable, resilient cities capable of facing future challenges.
H.E. Minister Al-Mashat highlighted Tokyo's example of sustainable urban development, noting the city's efforts to become highly resource-efficient while preserving its environment. H.E. said that she’s looking forward to future collaboration with Tokyo in developing Egyptian cities according to global sustainability standards.
The Minister also shared insights from her previous experience as Egypt's Minister of Tourism, where she gained close knowledge of one of the country's key economic sectors. H.E. emphasized that when discussing tourism in Egypt, it is impossible to separate the sector from the country's rich archaeological heritage, which holds a prominent place on the global stage.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat noted that Egypt is home to one of the world's largest collections of historical monuments, which are not only tourist attractions but also a significant source of understanding how cities were built and developed in the past. These monuments serve as a model for how to effectively and sustainably use available natural resources.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat further pointed out that sustainability is not just an environmental goal but a culture and lifestyle that should permeate all aspects of urban life. H.E. reaffirmed the importance of learning from ancient civilizations, which integrated sustainability into all areas of life—from architecture and resource management to trade, education, agriculture, transport, and beyond.
The Minister also highlighted the Grand Egyptian Museum as a living example of integrating sustainability with cultural heritage. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat explained that the project is a symbol of a strong international partnership, with the Japanese government playing a major role in its funding. This collaboration has made the museum not only a cultural landmark but also a model for sustainable development in its construction and operation. The museum has been designed according to the highest environmental standards and has earned EDGE certification from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), making it the first "green museum" in Africa and the Middle East.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted some of the sustainability features of the museum, including the use of modern technologies to reduce energy consumption and enhance the efficiency of natural resource use. H.E. also pointed to the museum's strategic location in Giza, which provides a significant opportunity for sustainable development in the surrounding area. The museum has contributed to the development of advanced infrastructure, including roads and public utilities, which improve the quality of life in the region and facilitate the movement of tourists to other major attractions in Cairo.
The Minister noted that it reflects the integrated relationship between culture and urban development, with projects like the Grand Egyptian Museum playing a key role in enhancing urban life and improving public services.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing that Egypt's tourism sector does not only focus on attracting international visitors but also plays a vital role in the local economy by creating job opportunities across various sectors. For every direct job in tourism, four additional indirect jobs are created in areas such as transportation, hospitality, restaurants, and retail, underscoring the importance of tourism as a key economic pillar for Egypt.
In closing, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated that the World Urban Forum offers a unique opportunity for all stakeholders to exchange ideas and experiences on how to build future cities that meet the needs of future generations, address environmental challenges, and enhance the resilience of communities. H.E. concluded by noting that the wisdom passed down from ancient civilizations continues to inspire and guide us, and it is essential that we all work together to apply these lessons in the development of our modern cities.