Egypt’s Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities has released the country’s Second Voluntary National Report on implementing the New Urban Agenda (NUA) for the years 2020–2024, coinciding with its leadership role as host of the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12).
The announcement was made by Minister Sherif El-Sherbiny, who emphasized that the report reflects Egypt’s strong political will to transform its urban landscape and improve quality of life for all citizens. The launch comes just months after Egypt welcomed over 25,000 delegates from 182 countries at WUF12 in Cairo, the world’s premier gathering on sustainable urban development.
“This report and our WUF12 hosting reflect Egypt’s position as a regional leader in urban transformation,” said Minister El-Sherbiny. “We are not only meeting global urban development targets, but also setting new regional benchmarks in resilience, equity, and innovation.”
WUF12: A Milestone for Egypt and Global Urban Policy
Held in November 2024, WUF12 marked a turning point in Egypt’s international urban diplomacy, providing a high-profile platform to present its model of inclusive, green, and resilient cities.
Key announcements during WUF12 included:
- The National Strategy for Smart Cities
- The Strategy for Sustainable Green Urbanism
- The Egyptian Sustainable Cities Atlas
- The Cairo Declaration, a global call for equitable, locally driven urban planning
- Decentralization and Local Governance Reform Initiative
These initiatives demonstrate Egypt’s commitment to aligning local action with global priorities, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) on sustainable cities and communities.
Second Voluntary National Report: Tracking Egypt’s Urban Progress
The new report, covering 2020–2024, builds on the first VNR submitted to the United Nations in 2021. It documents Egypt’s nationwide urban initiatives aimed at:
- Reducing overpopulation in major cities
- Expanding infrastructure and housing in underserved areas
- Promoting climate-resilient urban planning
- Supporting inclusive economic and social growth
The report identifies three strategic pillars:
- Urban transformation through integrated policies and programs
- Progress in economic, social, spatial, and environmental domains
- Governance frameworks and implementation tools
It also outlines challenges such as climate change, regional disparities, and financing gaps, and offers clear recommendations on improving planning systems, engaging marginalized groups, and leveraging data and digital tools.
Collaborative Framework For Egypt’s Urban Development
Eng. Nafisa Hashem, advisor to the Minister and head of the national working group, highlighted the participatory approach taken in drafting the report, working with dozens of stakeholders and institutions. She noted that the process reflects Egypt’s long-term institutional commitment to integrated urban policy through 2036.
Dr. Maha Fahim, head of the General Organization for Physical Planning, emphasized that the report’s findings support the building of adaptive, future-ready urban environments—designed to serve both current and future generations.
Egypt’s Role on the Global Urban Stage
Egypt’s leadership in hosting WUF12 and producing a data-driven, forward-thinking national urban report has solidified its reputation as a key contributor to global urban policy.
Through ambitious planning, inclusive growth strategies, and bold international engagement, Egypt is transforming its cities into models of resilience, sustainability, and social equity.
