Four Takeaways From the World Urban Forum in Cairo
World Urban Forum 12 brought together leaders, innovators and advocates to focus on local actions that can drive sustainable urban development globally.
It has now been two weeks since it took place in Cairo, Egypt and there has been time to reflect on the fruitful discussions and dialogues that SALAR International were part of.
SALAR International’s contribution during the week focused on the role that local governments take to lead the complexities of urban development including in conflict contexts as well as after natural disasters. SALAR International´s main takeaways from the event are:
- There is a need for urban planning models that enhance evidence-based, participatory, and integrated planning that improve working procedures, increase capacity and identify new solutions on how to plan, develop and manage urban areas in a sustainable way. This includes addressing economic, social and environmental development potential, and supporting collaboration between different sectors and disciplines at the local level, as well as establishing synergies with regional and national planning,
- A sustainable outcome from urban recovery and reconstruction calls for approaches that ensure ownership by local governments and their communities. Investments need to put integrated, inclusive and conflict-sensitive area-based approaches and damage analysis at the centre of any recovery efforts, in order to ensure protection of affected people, sustainability and effective urban recovery.
- Evidence – based local responses can spark community engagement and ensure that a wide range of stakeholders initiate and implement concrete steps toward building resilient, inclusive and sustainable cities by integrating theoretical frameworks and practical experiences.
- Participation is crucial for sustainable change and commitment from local governments demands clear action and proactive change processes.
The Cairo Call to Action highlights that cities are at the forefront of climate action and that local action is crucial through empowerment, partnerships and coalitions with the necessary institutional and financial capacities and resources.
We continue our support to local actors that address community-specific challenges while aligning with broader national and global goals.