The Executive Director of the UN Human Settlements Programme, Maimunah Mohd Sharif, has called on all stakeholders, including academics, local governments, and communities, to participate in the Global Urban Forum aimed at enhancing sustainability in cities. This event comes at a time when urban challenges are increasing worldwide.
Sharif stated in remarks to Anadolu Agency that the forum will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including community leaders, women, grassroots organizations, and persons with disabilities, to provide their input in the program's efforts.
Event Details
The Global Urban Forum, considered a key international platform for discussing urban development issues, will be held in Katowice, Poland, from June 26 to June 30, 2024. The forum aims to promote dialogue among various stakeholders, including local and regional governments, the private sector, and civil society, on how to achieve sustainable development in cities.
The forum will focus on several key topics, including how to address urban challenges such as climate change, population growth, and environmental degradation. It will also address the importance of sound urban planning in achieving sustainable development goals.
Background & Context
The Global Urban Forum was established in 2002 and is held every two years in a different city around the world. Previous editions of the forum have seen wide participation from various countries, reflecting the importance of urban issues in the modern era. In recent years, cities have faced increasing challenges due to climate change and rapid population growth, necessitating effective responses from all stakeholders.
Urban sustainability is an urgent issue that requires comprehensive addressing, as more than half of the world's population lives in cities, and this figure is expected to rise to 68% by 2050. Therefore, enhancing community participation in urban planning is a crucial step towards achieving sustainable cities.
Impact & Consequences
The Executive Director's call for participation in the forum reflects the importance of involving all parties in the decision-making process. Effective participation from local communities and academics can contribute to developing more effective strategies to address urban challenges. The presence of community leaders and organized groups can help ensure that the adopted policies meet the needs of all segments.
This call also presents an opportunity to enhance international cooperation in urban development, as countries can exchange experiences and best practices in this field. Strengthening partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector can contribute to achieving sustainable development goals more quickly and effectively.
Regional Significance
In the Arab region, cities face significant challenges related to rapid population growth, environmental degradation, and rising poverty levels. Therefore, participation in the Global Urban Forum can provide opportunities for Arab countries to exchange experiences and learn from successful practices in other countries.
Moreover, enhancing urban sustainability in Arab cities can contribute to improving the quality of life for citizens and strengthen cities' ability to face future challenges. Focusing on the participation of all segments in the urban planning process is an important step towards achieving sustainable development in the region.