The 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) concluded in Cairo after five days. The forum, held under the theme “Everything starts at home: Local actions for sustainable cities and communities,” saw the participation of the State of Qatar. Minister of Social Development and Family, HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, represented Qatar alongside a delegation that included CEO of Msheireb Properties Eng. Ali Al Kuwari.
During the forum, Eng. Ali Al Kuwari highlighted Qatar’s experience in developing sustainable cities, focusing on the sustainable real estate development in the country. He presented “Msheireb Downtown Doha” as a model for future cities, emphasizing sustainability, green buildings, and smart technology as key elements in urban development. The forum aimed to discuss and exchange ideas on localizing sustainable development goals, innovative urban solutions, and initiatives to tackle global challenges, with the participation of UN member states, local governments, the private sector, and civil society.
The World Urban Forum (WUF) was established by the United Nations in 2001 as the first conference on sustainable urbanization. It aims to study the impact of rapid urbanization on social, economic, and environmental policies in communities, cities, and towns. The forum serves as a platform for stakeholders to come together and discuss ways to address the challenges of urbanization and promote sustainable development.
The State of Qatar’s participation in WUF12 highlights its commitment to sustainable urban development and the importance of local actions in building sustainable cities and communities. Qatar’s experience in sustainable real estate development, as demonstrated by Msheireb Properties, serves as a model for other countries looking to create sustainable urban spaces. The forum provided a valuable opportunity for Qatar to share its experiences and learn from other participants in the field of urban development.
Eng. Ali Al Kuwari’s presentation on “Msheireb Downtown Doha” showcased Qatar’s efforts in integrating sustainability, green technology, and smart solutions into urban development. The focus on environmentally friendly elements reflects Qatar’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices in city planning and construction. Qatar’s participation in the forum reinforces its role as a leader in sustainable development and a contributor to the global dialogue on urbanization.
Overall, the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo was a platform for Qatar to showcase its achievements in sustainable urban development and exchange ideas with other stakeholders in the field. The forum emphasized the importance of local actions in building sustainable cities and communities, with a focus on innovative solutions and initiatives to address global challenges. Qatar’s participation in WUF12 reflects its commitment to sustainability and its efforts to create a more environmentally friendly and resilient urban environment for its citizens.