In the lead-up to the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12), which Egypt will host in November, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Egypt, in collaboration with the Cairo Governorate, is launching Cairo Urban Week on October 27. This week-long event will feature a variety of activities focused on urban development, sustainability, and the rich history and culture of Cairo.
The World Urban Forum, held biannually, is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization. The 12th edition is poised to be a significant milestone for Egypt. According to UN-Habitat, this year’s forum will encourage participants to explore the cultural, social, economic, and environmental dimensions of urban life.
Cairo Urban Week will celebrate the city’s legacy while addressing the challenges and opportunities for creating sustainable and inclusive urban spaces for the future.
The week-long event promises a diverse range of activities, from immersive urban exhibitions to guided city tours,showcasing Cairo’s urban landscape and innovative development projects. The week will be filled with celebratory events, creative performances, and participatory sessions designed to engage visitors in a meaningful exploration of urban sustainability, culture, and history.
The celebrations will begin on October 27 with a major event at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) titled “Sustainability in Art from Ancient Egyptian Civilization to the Modern Era.” This event will delve into the legacy of sustainable art across thousands of years, illustrating how art has shaped sustainable societies and urban environments throughout history. It will explore key themes ranging from the contributions of ancient Egypt to the modern urban landscapes of today. The event will emphasize the role of art as a vital tool for expression, preservation, and innovation. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the museum and witness the rich cultural artifacts on display.
On November 1, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will host a follow-up event, featuring discussions on the intersections of sustainability and urban development. The event will also mark the official opening of a special exhibition that highlights sustainability in Cairo, tracing its evolution from the past to the present and offering glimpses into its future. The exhibition will celebrate the enduring impact of sustainability in urban planning and development, with a focus on Cairo’s role as a leader in the region. The event will conclude with a vibrant artistic performance.
On November 2, the heart of downtown Cairo will come alive with a full day of events at Founder Spaces, a hub for innovation and creativity. The day will feature interactive discussion sessions, forums, and storytelling about Cairo’surban evolution. Visitors will be able to engage with experts and practitioners in the fields of urban development, sustainability, and culture, learning about the challenges and opportunities facing Cairo today.
Cairo Urban Week will culminate on November 3 at Al-Asmarat, a model site for public space development. This event will mark the launch of the legacy project celebrating Cairo’s role as the host of the 12th World Urban Forum. The project aims to leave a lasting impact on the city, demonstrating the power of sustainable urban development to transform public spaces and improve quality of life for residents. The closing ceremony will include an art workshop for children, encouraging the next generation to engage with the themes of sustainability and urban development from an early age.
With a diverse program that bridges Egypt’s ancient heritage and its modern urban landscape, Cairo Urban Week offers a unique opportunity for attendees to explore the intersections of art, culture, and sustainability while envisioning the future of urban life in Cairo and beyond. The event will serve as a precursor to the highly anticipated World Urban Forum, setting the stage for discussions on how to create cities that are more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive for all.
