Cairo Urban Week to set the stage for World Urban Forum

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU

As the 12th edition of the World Urban Forum approaches, Cairo is gearing up to host the Cairo Urban Week from October 27 to November 3. The event, organized by UN-Habitat Egypt Office, is set to showcase the city’s cultural diversity, unique heritage, and innovative urban solutions.

Ahmed Rezk, Director of UN-Habitat Egypt Office, provided a detailed overview of what to expect from Cairo Urban Week in a press conference. He emphasized that the week-long event is designed to build momentum for the upcoming World Urban Forum and leverage the experience of the city.

“We have a very rich week of activities where we have a lot of different modes and formats of engagement, including dialogues and talks on sustainable urbanization that will bring together different stakeholders, experts, policymakers, and local communities,” Rezk said.

One of the key elements of Cairo Urban Week is the focus on public spaces in Egypt, with a special emphasis on the Asmarat neighborhood. The event will also feature discussions on the future of Cairo, performances showcasing the city’s talents, and exhibitions bridging historical concepts of public spaces with modern interpretations.

In addition to panel sessions and workshops, Cairo Urban Week will include tours and walks in downtown Cairo, urban cinema screenings, and two international events focusing on quality of life and water sustainability.

The culminating event of Cairo Urban Week will be the launch of a public space in the Asmarat neighborhood on November 3. This inclusive development project aims to highlight the neighborhood’s story and promote dialogue on sustainable urban development.

With its diverse program and focus on engaging multiple stakeholders, Cairo Urban Week is set to set the stage for the World Urban Forum and provide participants with a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich urban context.

The Cairo Urban Week will be an excellent opportunity to explore the uniqueness of the city and also it will help participants to witness the Cairo creative talents, as well as discovering the stories and the things of the city and people, and definitely engaging in interesting dialogues around sustainable urbanization.