On September 24, 2024, Nile University hosted the Second Urban Thinkers Together Assembly Meeting, a significant gathering that united stakeholders in urban development, policymakers, academics, and EUC partners. This event, organized in collaboration with the World Urban Campaign (WUC) and UN-Habitat Egypt, served as a vital platform for discussing the progress of the Egypt Urban Campaign and planning for the upcoming World Urban Forum 12 (WUF 12).
Held at the university's Architecture & Urban Design Program, the assembly attracted a diverse audience committed to tackling the pressing challenges of urbanization in Egypt. The focus was on strategic partnerships and enhancing collaboration for urban sustainability.
Key Highlights:
Opening Remarks
The meeting commenced with opening remarks from key figures:
Dina K. Shehayeb, Professor and Program Director, welcomed participants and promoted the World Urban Forum.
Youhansen Eid, Nile University Provost, welcomed all attendees warmly.
Rania Hedeya, UN-Habitat Regional Representative for the Arab States and Nile University’s senior management emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships and collaboration with UN-Habitat.
Egypt Urban Campaign Overview
Christine Auclair, Head of Advocacy and Campaign Coordinator at UN-Habitat, delivered an inspiring overview of the Egypt Urban Campaign’s achievements. She highlighted successes in promoting sustainable urban solutions through six core pillars: People, Heritage, Resilience, Inclusion, Well-being, and Housing.
EUC Partner Discussions
An open floor session allowed EUC partners to reflect on the progress made since the April assembly. Participants engaged in discussions about new priorities and identified challenges in Egyptian cities, fostering collaborative solutions to address these issues.
Nile University’s Vision for Urban Design
Dina K. Shehayeb presented the university’s vision for urban design in Egypt, linking local initiatives to broader regional and global sustainability goals under the Egypt Urban Campaign umbrella. She highlighted the critical role of higher education in driving innovation and urban regeneration.
Conclusion & Way Forward
In her concluding remarks, Christine Auclair outlined the strategic outlook for the World Urban Campaign and WUF 12, stressing the need for sustained momentum. She outlined specific next steps for partners, including deeper engagement.
Closing Discussions
The final discussions delved into the long-term goals of the Egypt Urban Campaign, emphasizing the necessity of policy integration and multidisciplinary approaches for sustainable urban growth. Attendees left the assembly with actionable insights and a clear direction for future collaborations.
Participants were encouraged to engage in upcoming events, including the WUC Press Conference and the Egypt Urban Campaign Event at the WUF UN-HABITAT Arena. These events aim to showcase Egypt's journey toward urban sustainability and the vital role of the Egypt Urban Campaign in this transformative effort.
This assembly highlighted the ongoing commitment to sustainable urban development and reinforced the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in shaping Egypt's urban future.
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