During a video address at the World Urban Forum, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the crucial role urban areas play in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world.

The forum, which runs from November 4 to 8, 2024, is being held in Cairo, a city renowned for its vibrant history and innovation.

Guterres expressed gratitude to the Egyptian government for hosting the 12th Forum and acknowledged the significance of the gathering. “You represent urban areas which are home to more than half of humanity,” he stated, underscoring the responsibility that city leaders carry in advancing positive change.

The UN chief highlighted that urban areas are at the forefront of developing resilient communities. “As your theme rightly puts it: ‘It all starts at home,’” he noted, emphasizing that meaningful progress often begins at the local level, directly impacting the lives of individuals in their communities.

Addressing Urban Challenges Head-On

World leaders recently adopted the Pact for the Future, a key initiative aimed at advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) and tackling global inequalities. Guterres pointed out the pact’s focus on ensuring “adequate, safe, and affordable housing for all” while supporting developing countries in creating cities that are just, safe, and sustainable.

He warned that the urgency for such initiatives has never been greater, as cities are responsible for generating approximately 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.

Moreover, municipal waste is projected to rise by two-thirds over the next generation. “Not only are cities powerful engines of social and economic development, they are also catalysts of sustainable solutions,” Guterres remarked.

Local and regional authorities, he emphasized, are essential partners in addressing these pressing challenges. To enhance collaboration, he established the UN Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments, acknowledging that their insights and experiences are invaluable to global discussions.

Guterres encouraged forum participants to explore innovative solutions to the complexities of urban development.

He urged them to gather inspiration and return to their communities equipped to advance infrastructure and public services that cater to all, particularly women and girls.

A Call to Action for Future Generations

The Secretary-General reiterated that local actions are foundational for building greener, fairer, and more resilient cities. He invited attendees to collaborate on sustainable urbanization efforts, stressing that it is vital to ensure “no one and nowhere is left behind.”

As the World Urban Forum continues over the next five days, participants have the opportunity to engage deeply with the myriad issues surrounding sustainable urban development. Guterres’s message is clear: by working together and sharing knowledge, communities can make significant strides towards a more sustainable future.

The UN chief called for collective action, stating, “Together, let’s make sustainable urbanization a reality.” His remarks serve as a rallying cry for city leaders and stakeholders to commit to developing urban spaces that are inclusive, resilient, and capable of addressing the challenges of the 21st century.