Ashraf AboArafe
Dr. Ibrahim Saber, Governor of Cairo, received at the governorate’s general office Ms. Anna Claudia Rossbach, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of un-habitat, Ambassador Atef Salem Sayed El-Ahl, General Coordinator of the World Urban Forum, Dr. Rania Hedaya, Regional Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Program un-habitat, Mr. Jesus Salcedo, Coordinator of the World Urban Forum at the headquarters un-habitat, and Dr. Ahmed Rizk, Director of the Habitat Office in Cairo, and the accompanying delegation, and members of the Coordination Committee of the Cairo World Urban Forum 2024.
The Governor of Cairo stressed the importance of the World Urban Forum, which Cairo will host next November, which is the second most important global event on the United Nations agenda after the Climate Summit, noting that Egypt’s hosting of the forum is an opportunity to present its vision for urban development, its unique model in confronting and eliminating slums, urban planning, establishing the new administrative capital, and a large number of new smart cities, and the renaissance achieved by the Egyptian state under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
The Governor of Cairo pointed out that transferring the ministries to the administrative capital contributed to reducing the burden on the capital and enabled the use of the locations of these ministries and their re-exploitation, and the road network established by the Egyptian state protected the capital from turning into a large garage, noting that a study was conducted between the World Bank and the Japanese JICA Foundation, and this study showed that Egypt loses $ 2 billion annually due to traffic burden, and accordingly the political leadership developed the roads, raised the infrastructure, and provided the roads with green areas.
The Governor of Cairo pointed out that Cairo Governorate has made every effort to provide a decent life for citizens and transport them to places where there is no danger.
The Governor of Cairo also confirmed that the governorate is working on sustainable transportation and converting means of transportation to clean energy. The Cairo Bike project was also established, which included 250 bicycles in its first phase and is currently being expanded.
The Governor of Cairo pointed out the keenness of the Egyptian government, with all its ministries and agencies, to prepare well for the next session of the Urban Forum, so that it comes out in a way that befits the Egyptian state, especially after the great success achieved by Egypt during hosting the Climate Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, to be added to its cultural and urban balance locally, regionally and globally.
During the meeting, the Governor of Cairo reviewed the governorate’s preparations for the forum, which will provide 110 environmentally friendly buses from the Public Transport Authority, including 15 electric buses equipped to serve people with disabilities, and 30 buses from the Egyptian Transport Company to transport visitors to the forum, with the establishment of garages to accommodate the cars of the forum’s guests.
The Governor of Cairo pointed out that there is a promotional campaign to introduce the forum spread across all the streets and squares of Cairo, and there are 21 electronic screens displaying the forum program, and 3 open buses will be operated throughout the days of the forum.
The Governor of Cairo added that a bicycle race will be held in the Khedivial Cairo area starting from the Cairo Governorate Diwan and reaching the Egyptian Opera House with the participation of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Cairo Bike. A visit will also be organized to the Asmarat area and talk about the state’s efforts to develop slums, and present the experience of economic empowerment for women in the city.
The Governor of Cairo pointed out that the Andalusian Garden will be opened after its development under the patronage of the Prime Minister, and a visit to Al-Azhar Park will be organized and an exhibition of heritage crafts will be held. A visit will also be organized to Al-Muizz Street and Khan Al-Khalili, the Fawakher Village, and the Religious Complex with an explanation of the most important historical landmarks.
Ms. Anna Claudia Rosbach, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of Un-Habitat, expressed her appreciation for the efforts made by the Cairo Governorate and the Egyptian state in the distinguished preparation for the forum, especially the roads and means of transportation, and the great logistical support provided.
She added that she felt the impact of urban development that took place in Cairo, especially in dealing with slums. 
The delegation members confirmed that Cairo was the best choice presented to the United Nations, as it conforms to criteria related to the country’s ability to host, and the capabilities of living, transportation and logistics, in addition to its previous organization of conferences of the same level and importance, expressing their happiness to be in a city that carries within its walls the antiquity of the past and present.
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