World Urban Forum

?? A bold vision for urban transformation—now accessible to many more. The Cairo Call to Action, a key outcome of the twelfth session of the World Urban Forum, is now available in all 6 UN official languages ???? With more than half of the world’s population now being urban, #WUF12 convened over 25,000 leaders, practitioners, academics and communities in Cairo to chart a course toward more sustainable urban futures. The Call outlines urgent local action to transform cities—including tackling the global housing crisis, unlocking local finance and strengthening local leadership to advance the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda. ?? Read and share the Cairo Call to Action: https://loom.ly/ghGYpSE

Half the world’s population = half the power to shape our cities. Women and girls are more than just residents of cities—they are visionaries, problem-solvers, and changemakers shaping the future of urban development. Yet, urban spaces have often been designed without fully considering their needs, perspectives, and lived experiences. At #WUF12, discussions on gender and urbanization highlighted a crucial truth: when cities are built with women and girls in mind, they become safer, more inclusive, and more sustainable for everyone. To build cities that truly serve everyone, participants emphasized the need to: ?? Strengthen women’s access to housing and property rights ?? Advance women’s leadership in urban governance and decision-making ??♀? Design cities with safety in mind, ensuring public spaces are accessible and free from violence ?? Collect gender-sensitive local data to better reflect diverse needs ?? Support women entrepreneurs and STEM education to foster economic empowerment The Cairo Call to Action reaffirmed that inclusive decision-making is key to localizing the SDGs. Women and girls must be active partners in urban planning, ensuring that no one is left behind in the development of our cities. This #InternationalWomensDay, let’s commit to cities that work #ForAllWomenAndGirls ?? #IWD2025 #InclusiveCities

?? Job Alert: Senior Programme Management Officer ?? We are looking for an experienced professional to direct the planning, implementation and evaluation of the World Urban Forum?#WUF, the world's premier conference on sustainable urban development. In this position, you will: ?? Oversee the development and execution of WUF initiatives ?? Coordinate policy development and strategic planning to advance WUF’s objectives ?? Manage high-level outreach, advocacy, and resource mobilization efforts ?? Manage and supervise teams to ensure effective programme delivery What we’re looking for: ?? 10+ years of experience in programme or project management, administration, or coordination ?? An advanced degree in urban planning, business administration, management, economics, or a related field ?? Strong leadership skills, with experience managing teams and large scale global events Join us in shaping one of the most influential global platforms for urban sustainability. ?? Location: Nairobi, Kenya ?? Deadline: 15 February 2025 Apply now:?https://lnkd.in/dfjKQxej

As we conclude a year filled with remarkable milestones, we are grateful for the opportunity to have connected with so many of you—in person and virtually—at #WUF12 in Cairo. This season, we wish you moments of peace and reflection on all we have achieved together toward a more sustainable urban future. Let’s carry forward the insights and lessons from the Forum, transforming them into practical solutions tailored to local needs. Wishing you a joyful and restful holiday season!

?? Adequate housing is a human right, not a priviledge. This #HumanRightsDay, let’s remember that everyone deserves a safe, accessible, and affordable place to call home. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ePX7favv #OurRightsOurFuture

??????UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) is calling for hosts of the World Urban Forum (#WUF14) in 2028! Hosting WUF14 is a unique opportunity for cities and countries to: ? Lead global discussions on sustainable urban development ? Showcase innovative solutions to urban challenges ? Gain worldwide recognition with 25,000+ participants from 180+ countries ????Key Dates: ?? Submit an Expression of Interest by?15 April 2025 ?? Finalize proposals by?30 October 2025 ?? Winning host announced by?December 2025 Be the city that shapes the future of urbanization! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dn3gbNaU

"Nothing About Us Without Us." This year’s #IDPD #DisabilityDay theme, "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future", highlights the pivotal role of persons with disabilities in shaping a more accessible and inclusive world. As Hannes Juhlin Lagrelius, Programme Specialist for Inclusive & Accessible Urban Development at the World Blind Union, explains, the participation of persons with disabilities in urban governance and development is essential to breaking misconceptions and ensuring no one is left behind. Today, we honor the leadership of persons with disabilities in advancing rights, fostering inclusion, and building a sustainable future for all. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dsjgTkhy #ItAllStartsTogether United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs

Meet Leyla, a young girl navigating the challenges of urban life, as she brings the #WUF12 Dialogues to life through her lens. From the loss of home to the power of local action, Leyla’s journey highlights the transformative potential of sustainable urban development. ????? ?? Be part of the change! Explore the #CairoCallToAction: https://lnkd.in/drh8r6D3 #ItAllStartsNow #ItAllStartsAtHome

?? Today is World Sustainable Transport Day! Did you know transport is the biggest source of carbon emissions? ???? Switch to walking, cycling, or public transport to reduce your footprint. Let’s urge governments to align policies with the SDGs, New Urban Agenda, & Paris Agreement! ?? UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) #SustainableTransportDay

As negotiations for a new climate finance goal reach a critical stage at #COP29 in Baku, the world is united in calling for stronger global #ClimateAction and justice for those who contribute the least yet bear the brunt of extreme weather impacts. With over 2.7 billion urban residents at risk by 2050 due to rising global temperatures, it is clear that cities are not just on the frontlines of climate impacts but are also key to delivering effective solutions. At #WUF12, experts from urban planning, government, civil society, and international organization stressed the importance of urban resilience and championed strategies that should inform COP29 outcomes: ?? Localizing finance to ensure resources flow directly to local governments and community-driven projects. ?? Building climate-resilient cities to safeguard urban populations from escalating climate risks. Both WUF12 and COP29 highlight a fundamental truth: achieving global climate goals demands connecting high-level strategies with local realities. Empowering cities with targeted financial and technical support is essential to implement context-specific climate plans. Resources must flow to where they are needed most — vulnerable communities on the climate frontlines. The climate crisis spares no one, but its worst effects are felt by those least prepared to cope. By bridging WUF12’s actionable insights with COP29’s high-level commitments, we can forge a future that is not only climate-resilient but also inclusive and equitable. Let’s #ActNow to empower our cities, protect our people, and secure a sustainable tomorrow.