In conjunction with the launch of the 12th session of the World Urban Forum, hosted by Egypt under the patronage of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and with the participation of 174 countries, the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation presents a report on key international partnerships and ongoing projects aimed at supporting sustainable cities and local communities, as well as implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, emphasized the importance of Cairo hosting the World Urban Forum (WUF) as part of Egypt’s role as an active player in international forums addressing sustainable development issues. She noted that international participation in WUF enhances discussions on urgent issues, such as urban challenges, population growth, climate crises, and rising poverty levels, enabling cities to confront developmental challenges.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat explained that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, in its role of integrating economic diplomacy with planning mechanisms to drive economic development efforts, works to strengthen partnerships with the international community to implement the SDGs and advance sustainable cities and local communities. She added that there are specific projects underway within the scope of SDG 11, focusing on sustainable cities and communities. However, there are also indirect connections to various other projects across multiple sectors, such as energy, water, and other developmental areas, which closely impact urban sustainability.

The report issued by the Ministry highlights a portfolio of 115 projects within its development cooperation with multilateral and bilateral development partners, valued at $1.5 billion in grants and concessional financing, representing 5.8% of the total portfolio. These projects aim to support urbanization efforts and ensure comprehensive and safe housing planning throughout Egypt, which in turn will lead to higher levels of economic productivity. Establishing sustainable cities and communities goes hand-in-hand with the green transition, which includes transportation development, upgrading informal housing, and ensuring the integration of all communities across Egypt.

The report outlines key projects being implemented to achieve this goal, including the Institutional Development Program for the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, a project to strengthen social and ecological resilience to natural hazards in partnership with UNESCO, the Integrated Urban Development Project in Egypt in partnership with UN-Habitat, and the Urban Synergy Program between new and existing cities in partnership with UNDP.

Regarding heritage projects, the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation stated that projects such as the Capacity Building for World Heritage Site Management for Sustainable Development, the Rehabilitation of the Islamic Art Museum in Cairo, and the Operational Management Support for World Heritage Sites, including those in Egypt, are being implemented in partnership with UNESCO.

The report also highlights projects aimed at creating a real model of the modern sustainable city, such as transforming Sharm El-Sheikh into an integrated, environmentally sustainable tourism city, the Strategic Urban Planning Project for Alexandria until 2032, and the Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Program in Egypt, in partnership with UNDP.

Additionally, the report presents the Greater Cairo Development Planning and Management Enhancement Program, the Strategic Urban Plans for Small Cities Program in partnership with UN-Habitat, Phase II Funding of the Development and Growth of the North-West Coast Project in partnership with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Informal Settlements Development Program in partnership with the African Development Bank, the Sinai Housing Settlements Program in partnership with the Saudi Fund for Development, and the Comprehensive Social Housing Program in partnership with the World Bank.

Alongside these projects, the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation collaborates with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to implement the Green Cities Program, a global initiative by the EBRD in over 50 cities worldwide, aimed at supporting cities in transitioning to a low-carbon, resilient future. This initiative helps cities prioritize their most pressing environmental challenges through targeted investments, actions, and public policies and is currently being implemented in three Egyptian cities: Cairo, Alexandria, and 6th of October City.

Earlier this year, the EBRD, in collaboration with the government, launched a plan to transform 6th of October City into a green city. This plan is set to be implemented by the relevant governmental authorities and the 6th of October City Development Authority, in cooperation with the EBRD.

It is worth noting that the World Urban Forum, held under the theme “It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities,” is organized by the Egyptian government in collaboration with UN-Habitat. The forum discusses the critical role local action can play in accelerating progress toward urban sustainability, focusing on topics related to urbanization, smart and sustainable cities, and promoting inclusive and sustainable urban expansion. It also emphasizes the importance of participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries by 2030, as outlined in SDG 11 of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.