The World Urban Forum 12 (WUF12), organized by UN-Habitat, took place in Cairo, Egypt, from November 4 to 8, 2024, under the theme “It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities.” This year, the forum brought together over 25,000 participants from 179 countries, including government officials, urban planners, and community leaders. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address urban challenges, such as unaffordable housing and climate change, emphasizing the importance of localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As part of the Habitat for Humanity International delegation representing the Africa Region, Habitat for Humanity Zambia National Director, Ms. Mathabo Makuta had the opportunity to participate in two significant panel discussions focused on scaling access to climate-resilient housing in informal settlements and exploring urban futures through data, climate justice, and community co-production. The sessions were enlightening, showcasing successful innovations and discussing strategies for mobilizing stakeholders to accelerate climate-resilient housing initiatives in vulnerable urban areas.
His Worship the Mayor of Kabwe was in attendance. He spoke alongside Ms. Makuta on the topic of “Transforming Urban Settlements” and had a meeting with Habitat for Humanity International CEO, Mr. Jonathan Reckfold. Furthermore, Mr. Reckfold had round-table discussions with key other partners such as the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, and the Zambia National Building Society (ZNBS), focusing on the effective partnerships with these institutions in Zambia. A representative from the Bank of Zambia also attended this round-table meeting with Mr. Reckfold.
One key takeaway from the discussions is the critical role of innovative and inclusive housing policies in addressing the global housing crisis. With 2.8 billion people currently living in inadequate housing and over 1 billion lacking access to adequate shelter, it’s clear that immediate actions are vital. By collaborating with various stakeholders, we can drive change and ensure that housing solutions contribute to sustainable urban development while addressing the needs of the most vulnerable communities.
