On October 31st, the world turned its gaze towards Alexandria, Egypt, as it celebrated World Cities Day. This year’s global observance, taking place in Alexandria, Egypt, carries a particularly powerful theme: “Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities,”. With cities projected to house 70% of the global population by 2050, the urgency to address climate change has never been greater for preserving resources for the coming generations.
Young Climate Champions Take Center Stage
The Global Observance of World Cities Day 2024 was a platform for young climate activists to share their visions and solutions. A high-level ministerial panel brought together policymakers and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing these young leaders.
A panel discussion, titled “Youth on the Front Lines: Leading Climate Change in Cities,” showcased the inspiring work of young people from around the world. These passionate individuals are driving change through community engagement, education, and advocacy.
The panel showcased Egypt’s efforts to eliminate slums, traffic, and reducing the impact of climate change on the costal cities and achieve the transition to smart green cities, particularly in Alexandria, the city that received 3 awards as a par of the national initiative for smart green projects.
Bridging the Gap Between Vision and Action
A public-private sector dialogue on “Sustainable Investments for Climate Resilience” explored innovative solutions to finance climate-resilient infrastructure and green technologies. By fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, we can empower young people to turn their ambitious ideas into tangible actions.
A Call to Action
World Cities Day 2024 is more than just a celebration. It’s a call to action. By empowering young people and fostering a collaborative environment, we can build a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.
