Delegates at the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) concluded the event by adopting the transformative “Cairo Call to Action,” a declaration aimed at tackling the global housing crisis and supporting sustainable urbanisation.
The forum, hosted in Cairo and themed “It All Starts at Home,” convened by UN-Habitat, drew over 24,000 participants from 182 countries.
The five-day event included discussions, roundtables, and partner-led sessions, witnessing record attendance and high-level participation from four heads of state, 60 ministers, and 96 mayors across more than 700 events. Virtual attendees also brought the total engagement to over 63,000 people, creating a robust dialogue on urgent urban challenges.
The “Cairo Call to Action” encompasses a 10-point plan, urging immediate steps to combat the global housing crisis and emphasising community involvement in decision-making. Delegates highlighted the importance of inclusive urban spaces, equitable development, and funding mechanisms to empower cities and communities. The declaration stressed the need for systemic representation of local actors, prioritisation of urban planning, and leveraging local data to create sustainable solutions.
UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach, at the closing ceremony, underscored the forum’s themes, including the urgency to address housing issues, the importance of financing sustainable urban development, and the strength of partnerships.
“Over half of the world’s population now resides in urban areas,” she noted, adding that local governments play a central role in fostering sustainable cities.
The outcomes of WUF12 will guide future discussions within UN-Habitat and influence the newly formed Intergovernmental Working Group on Adequate Housing for All. The 13th World Urban Forum is set for 2026 in Baku, continuing the forum’s mission to address urbanisation challenges.
Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Sherif El-Sherbiny, emphasized the conference’s theme, stating, “Everything starts locally from where we live.” He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to sustainable development, pledging efforts to provide a “decent life” for all citizens.
The Cairo Call to Action represents a crucial step forward in global urban planning, setting a framework for nations to work collaboratively towards equitable and sustainable urban solutions for the next generation.
