The World Urban Forum (WUF) 12 has long been a melting pot of innovation, collaboration, and vision for urban development. This year, the 12th session of WUF took place in the bustling city of Cairo, Egypt, from November 4th to 8th, 2024. Representing the Young Game Changers Initiative, we had the privilege of attending this transformative event. Over the course of five days, we got into dynamic sessions, exchanged ideas with global experts, and contributed to shaping the future of sustainable cities.
The Journey Begins: From Bhubaneswar to Cairo
Our adventure started on November 2nd, 2024, with a flight from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi. The excitement was palpable as we were greeted at the airport by Adishree Mam, our mentor and guide for the trip. That night, we stayed at the beautiful Hotel Bloom in Delhi, preparing ourselves for the journey ahead.
The following day, the three of us embarked on the much-anticipated flight to Cairo, arriving at 4:00 PM local time. Cairo welcomed us with its vibrant energy and historic charm. We checked into the cozy Hotel Tolip Inn, our home for the next six days. Exhausted yet exhilarated, we knew the next few days would be a whirlwind of learning, networking, and inspiration.
Cairo - Day 1: Laying the Foundation
November 4th marked the official start of WUF 12. The morning was dedicated to logistical essentials, such as badge collection and the initiation of the “5×5 Challenge,” a unique interactive activity for youth participants.
The day unfolded with the Children and Youth Assembly, a platform that set the tone for the youth’s active involvement in urban policy discussions. Engaging with peers from across the globe, we explored innovative ideas for creating inclusive, child-friendly cities.
The grandeur of the Opening Ceremony in the evening was truly awe-inspiring. Luminaries from various sectors graced the stage, emphasizing the need for global collaboration in achieving sustainable urban development. Capping off the day, we attended a delightful dinner hosted by Fondation Botnar, where we connected with fellow change makers and shared our vision for the cities of tomorrow.
Cairo - Day 2: Diving Deeper into Urban Challenges
The second day of WUF 12 was packed with thought-provoking sessions. The morning began with Cities for Adolescents – The NextGen Agenda, an insightful discussion on empowering adolescents to actively participate in urban planning.
Attending the Public Space Academy was an enriching experience, as we learned about designing inclusive public spaces that cater to diverse communities. These sessions underlined the importance of creating spaces where people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds feel welcome and safe.
Post-lunch, we joined The Heartbeat of the City, a session that explored how urban policies can address critical challenges like housing, mobility, and environmental sustainability. The day culminated with the Children and Youth Roundtable, where we contributed to discussions on innovative urban solutions and collected another stamp for the 5×5 Challenge.
Cairo | Day 3: Amplifying Youth Voices
On November 6th, we participated in sessions that placed youth at the forefront of urban transformation. Discussions on Youth Voices and Innovations in Climate-Resilient Urban Food and Water Systems were particularly inspiring, showcasing how young people are driving change in urban governance and sustainability.
One of the most impactful sessions was Empowering Youth for Peaceful Urban Futures, where we explored strategies for fostering inclusivity and safety in urban environments. Equally enlightening was a discourse on Shaping the Public Space Discourse with Unheard and Marginalized Voices, which highlighted the need to amplify underrepresented perspectives in urban policy making.
The day’s journey continued with another stamp collected for the 5×5 Challenge, this time at the Urban Library.
Cairo | Day 4: Bridging Communities through Empathy
The fourth day of WUF 12 was all about collaboration and compassion. The session on Youth Decision-Making for Healthy and Sustainable Cities presented case studies from Egypt and the UK, emphasizing the importance of localized solutions.
One standout experience was Empathy in Motion, an engaging session that taught us how to approach urban issues with a sense of empathy and understanding. The Fondation Botnar Booth at the Urban Expo was another highlight, where we connected with organizations making significant strides in urban innovation.
Cairo | Day 5: Wrapping Up With Creativity
The final day of WUF 12, November 8th, focused on creativity as a tool for empowering communities. Through the session on Empowering Communities through Creativity, we explored how artistic expressions and cultural initiatives can drive urban transformation.
As the event concluded, we attended a meeting with the Fondation Botnar team, reflecting on our shared experiences and discussing the road ahead. Completing the 5×5 Challenge was a proud moment, symbolizing our active engagement throughout the forum.
A Memorable Return
As night fell, we bid farewell to Cairo, boarding our flight back to Bhubaneswar. The journey home was filled with reflections on the enriching experiences of the past week. Representing the Young Game Changers Initiative at WUF 12 was not just an honor but also a transformative experience that deepened our understanding of urban challenges and solutions.
Takeaways from WUF 12
Attending WUF 12 reaffirmed our belief that youth have a pivotal role in shaping the future of cities. The sessions we attended highlighted the need for inclusivity, empathy, and creativity in addressing urban challenges. Whether it was through the 5×5 Challenge or discussions with global change makers the forum emphasized that collaboration is key to achieving sustainable urban development.
As we move forward, the insights gained from WUF 12 will guide our efforts to create impactful change. The journey to Cairo may have ended, but the mission to build better cities has only just begun.
