Interview: UN-Habitat representative talks importance of Egypt’s hosting of WUF12

CAIRO - 21 September 2024: Egypt is preparing to host the World Urban Forum at its 12th session (WUF12) from 4 to 8 November, and it is considered the most important global event on urbanization and sustainable urban development that is inclusive for all. 

In the context of this global event, et magazine interviewed Ahmed Rizk, Country Director UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), to ask him about the importance of such event to Egypt, and what is expected to happen during the forum. 

During the interview, Rizk also revealed more about the role the UN-Habitat plays in terms of supporting Egyptian national efforts in sustainable urban development. 

Throughout the interview: “et” refers to Egypt Today, and “R” refers to Ahmed Rizk. 

et: What is the role played by the UN-Habitat with regard to urban development in Egypt?

R: The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) works in an integrated manner on sustainable urban development in Egypt, where it supports national efforts through multiple programs. These programs are concerned with urban policy, land management, supporting the local economy, strategic urban planning for new and existing cities, city investment, blended financing for urban development, public spaces and supporting basic services of water and sanitation. 

There are also programs concerned with climate that focus on urban mobility, clean, innovative and low-cost, as well as programs that focus on water technology, sanitation and infrastructure planning.

et: So what is the UN-Habitat’s goal?

R: UN-Habitat has a goal to improve living conditions by promoting sustainable practices the prime of objective is to  advance sustainable urbanization as a driver of development and peace to improve living conditions for all. We adhere to promote the development of socially and environmentally sustainable cities, towns & communities. UN-Habitat strives for adequate shelter with better living standards for all.

How does UN-Habitat’s work supports Egypt’s vision 2030?

R: We work through our various programs concerned with urban development within the United Nations strategic framework with Egypt. 

We are also interested in supporting the efforts related to formulating and implementing the national urban policy, which emphasizes creating an urban community and a balanced system for Egyptian cities.

et: In your opinion, why is the World Urban Forum important to Egypt and the region, as the country prepares to host it in Nov.?

R: Let me tell you that the World Urban Forum (WUF12) is the first and most important global platform that addresses all aspects and sectors of sustainable urbanization. It is also an ideal opportunity to exchange experiences between countries and share successful experiences in all fields related to the urbanization process. 

The fact that Egypt is hosting and organizing the forum is important because it highlights the role of the Egyptian state in dealing with relevant sustainable development files, as well as its experiences in the process of urban development and it’s linkages with climate, human, social, and economic dimensions.

And answering your question regarding the importance of this event to Egypt, this forum represents an opportunity for the Egyptian state to convey the voice of the countries of the South and the countries of the African continent in all aspects of the urbanization process and sustainable development. 

This forum represents an opportunity for African and developing countries in general to present their development experience in the field of urbanization in its various dimensions and exchange experiences.

et: Tell us more about the agenda, objectives and number of participants of the WUF12.

R: It is expected that thousands of representatives of national, regional and local governments, academics, community leaders, urban planners, and civil society representatives will attend the forum, which is hosted by Egypt. 

Speaking about the objectives, the forum aims to raise awareness of sustainable urban development among stakeholders and the general public; improve collective knowledge about sustainable urban development through open and inclusive dialogues; exchange of best practices and policies; share lessons learned, and enhance cooperation among various stakeholders and civil society.

Also for the forum’s agenda, it will promote conversations in multiple formats, such as roundtables, assemblies, special sessions, and an urban exhibition hosted and facilitated by UN-Habitat, the Egyptian Government and other partners. This is expected to create diverse entry points to consider the role of all urban actors, like: grassroots, civil society, the private sector, academia, all levels of government and international organizations, in addition to many others. 

Partner-led events will also provide an opportunity to engage with the World Urban Forum.

et: Given that the economic growth is a key pillar of any state progress, what is UN-Habitat’s role regarding the economic competitiveness of cities and what is the impact of urban growth on this?

R: Egypt has formulated its National Urban Policy (NUP) in collaboration with UN-Habitat, and this comes in line with the adoption of the New Urban Agenda. And let me tell you that this policy is considered the guiding framework for transforming Egypt’s urban expansion process to a source of wealth. 

This will happen through promoting more inclusive, competitive, productive, better connected and integrated cities and communities that are resilient to climate change, as well as they promote sustainable urban development.

Dealing with the unbalanced system of cities and spatial disparities were among the top points that were discussed. In addition to this, another important point that was focused on is raising the efficiency of effective economic participation of cities in Egypt instead of putting pressure on Cairo, Giza and Alexandria, and this is meant to achieve the highest economic benefit for Egyptian cities, which supports the provision of job opportunities and improves the quality of life. 

Therefore, a new Egyptian system for cities was developed and proposed. This system aims to assist in the decision-making process regarding the developmental and spatial role that each city can play. 

Speaking about urban growth, and since it is the best way in most countries to boost the economy, there is a close relationship between planned urban growth rates and the rise in the standard of living. 

et: How does UN-Habitat help with sanitation and water challenges?

R: The challenges of the sanitation and water sectors are great at the national level, especially in  rural areas. 

And in this regard, UN-Habitat is working to apply unconventional and advanced natural based methods to enable the state to provide access to clean water and sanitation services at the lowest cost and best quality. So it launched the natural filtration technology for river banks "Riverbank Filtration (RBF)" in 2017 in Minya Governorate. 

et: Tell us more about the progress of the River Bank filtration technology?

R: In the beginning, there were thorough studies conducted during the first phase, which resulted in a national feasibility study and a guide for using the new technology. A total of 11 RBF units were established for more than 300,000 beneficiaries in Luxor, Sohag and Assiut governorates, and a wastewater treatment unit was established to improve service for 5,000 rural residents in Tabl village in Damietta Governorate. 

Through the second phase that started in 2022, UN-Habitat established 3 RBF units in Qena and one in Luxor for drinking water. We also used the guidelines that we prepared, which became the core for drafting the Egyptian code in using this environmental technology. 

The project is set to also establish a sewage unit in Ezbet Khamis in Damietta Governorate using advanced technologies suitable for the local environment to be a model for such small residential communities.

In addition, the new technology introduced in the water sector contributed to handling the consequences of the annual holding back of water from waterways for a certain period during the winter season.

And also, it provided a comprehensive study for all governorates to complete the idea with periodic follow-up to ensure the continued quality of the water provided.

et: Are there other areas that fall under the UN-Habitat's work scope and priorities?

R: Yes. UN-Habitat has been interested in Egyptian cities that has a unique character like Ras Sedr, Dahab, Marsa Alam and Abu Zenima, and hence, it prepared plans for achieving urban development in these cities, within the framework of partnership and strategic cooperation with the General Authority for Physical Planning.

One of the most important priorities for UN-Habitat is the participatory development at the city level. And in this regard, a new methodology for urban development at the city level was developed and demonstrated , iin order to provide opportunities for mutual financing mechanisms and a broader and comprehensive socio economic impact.