Sisi Launches 'National Smart Cities' & 'National Green Urbanism' at WUF12

Photo : Egypt Media Office

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi officially launched the "National Smart Cities" and "National Green Urbanism" strategies during the opening ceremony of the 12th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) held in Cairo. The strategies are part of Egypt’s ongoing efforts to advance urbanization and environmental sustainability in the face of the challenges posed by rapid urban growth.

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In his speech, El-Sisi addressed the current global crises, emphasizing the urgent need for a collective response to the multitude of challenges cities face, including the devastating effects of war, displacement, famine, and disease. He highlighted the critical timing of the WUF12, which convenes at a moment when the world is reeling from successive global crises, particularly the conflicts in the Middle East. The president pointed out that such conflicts, including those in Gaza and Lebanon, serve as painful reminders of the dire consequences of choosing war over peace.

El-Sisi called for a united effort to establish peace, end conflicts, and prioritize reconstruction and development, which he considered essential before addressing the urban challenges faced by societies affected by war. “Only then can we embark on serious endeavors to address urban challenges in societies ravaged by wars, fighting, displacement, famine, and disease,” he stated. His words underscored the importance of rebuilding war-torn regions and addressing the humanitarian crises that result from prolonged conflicts.

The Egyptian president also reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting peace initiatives and humanitarian efforts in the region. He stressed the need for urgent action to end the bloodshed and destruction caused by ongoing conflicts, while emphasizing the necessity of focusing on reconstruction and development to bring stability back to affected nations.

WUF12, a major event in global urban development, brought together numerous heads of state, policymakers, urban planners, and other key figures. Among the prominent attendees were UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Jan van Zanen, the Mayor of The Hague, and Anacláudia Rossbach, UN-Habitat’s undersecretary-general and executive director. Their participation highlighted the international importance of the forum and the shared responsibility of global leaders in addressing urbanization issues and promoting sustainable, smart, and green cities.

El-Sisi’s speech and the launch of the "National Smart Cities" and "National Green Urbanism" strategies signal Egypt’s proactive role in shaping the future of urban development and sustainability, particularly in regions affected by conflict. These strategies are part of Egypt’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and technological innovation in urban planning, aiming to create more resilient, livable, and eco-friendly cities for the future.