UN hghlights Egypt’s expertise in urban development

CAIRO – 6 November 2024: Ana Claudia Rossbach, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, highlighted the complexities of financing urban cities, especially as these cities continue to evolve and grow.

She made these comments during the special session on “Financing a Sustainable Urban Future for All” held as part of the third day of the 12th World Urban Forum, currently taking place in Cairo from November 4 to 8, 2024, at the International Conference Center in Cairo.

The session was attended by key Egyptian officials, including Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development; Ahmed Koujak, Minister of Finance; and Stefan Jember, Regional Director for Egypt, Yemen, and Djibouti at the World Bank. The session was moderated by Dr. Rania Heidaya, Regional Director of UN-Habitat for the Arab States, and was attended by Minister of Housing Sherif Shurbiny, along with several business leaders and representatives from international financial institutions, the World Bank, and the UN.

Rossbach emphasized that financing for urban cities is highly complex, particularly in light of the rapid urbanization taking place globally. The growing number of urban areas presents both opportunities and challenges. She stated, “Cities have the potential to attract private, government, and international investments if they are well-planned.” However, urban planning is crucial for cities to thrive, and many nations have adopted partnership strategies to develop urban areas.

Rossbach pointed out that Egypt has a wealth of experience in urban development, which can be shared globally. She noted that this experience is particularly valuable in areas such as improving infrastructure in informal settlements. A significant challenge for these areas is land ownership, which often causes difficulties in upgrading infrastructure. Additionally, there is a need for investment coordination between public and private sectors, which Rossbach described as a key area where Egypt’s experience can provide solutions.

She also highlighted that Egypt has made substantial strides in addressing the needs of rapidly urbanizing populations. She added, “We should discuss how cities can grow, and Egypt has much expertise to offer in this field, which could be shared with the rest of the world.”

Rossbach underscored the importance of urban planning in the broader context of urban financing, especially in terms of creating sustainable cities. Many countries, she said, have adopted strategies involving public-private partnerships, but there are still gaps in social infrastructure, which needs to be prioritized.

She pointed out that cities must take into account both social and environmental assets in their urban planning efforts. This comprehensive approach allows for better resource allocation and makes cities more attractive to investment.

Rossbach also spoke about the need for governments to enhance their borrowing capabilities. With a clear diagnosis of urban challenges, governments can better manage investments and strengthen urban infrastructure. This, in turn, would lead to the development of cities with stronger social cohesion and resilience, she noted.

The UN official stressed that Egypt’s experiences and lessons in urban development can offer valuable insights to other countries facing similar challenges. The country’s efforts in urban renewal, especially in informal settlements, can serve as a model for other developing nations. Egypt’s participation in global urban forums such as the World Urban Forum reinforces its role as a hub for knowledge-sharing and urban innovation.

The session concluded with a call for greater global cooperation in addressing the challenges and opportunities in urban development. Egypt’s ongoing urban projects and its commitment to sustainable growth provide a beacon of hope for other countries looking to navigate the complexities of urbanization.