WUF13: Egyptian Experts Promote Nature-Based Solutions for Resilient Arab Cities

Egyptian urban planning and sustainability experts joined discussions at the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku this week, contributing to regional dialogue on how nature-based solutions can help Arab cities confront climate pressures and improve urban resilience.

The session, titled “Nature-Based Solutions for Resilient Arab Cities: From Local Action to Urban Transformation,” examined ways cities across the Arab region can integrate environmentally driven approaches into urban planning to strengthen resilience, improve public services and enhance quality of life.

Representing Egypt at the forum, Zeina ElZein, associate professor of architecture and urban planning and programme director at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Capital University, stressed the importance of locally tailored solutions in addressing the region’s environmental challenges.

“As an Egyptian contributing to the Nature-based Solutions dialogue at WUF13, I was delighted to highlight the importance of locally grounded solutions that respond to our region’s urgent challenges, from water scarcity to climate resilience,” ElZein said.

“Nature-based Solutions are not a luxury for our cities; they are a necessity,” she added.

The discussions focused on how cities can use green infrastructure, sustainable urban design and ecosystem-based approaches to address rising temperatures, water shortages and the growing impact of climate change across the Arab world.

The forum, organized by UN-Habitat, has brought together governments, urban planners, academics and civil society representatives from around the world to discuss sustainable urban development under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.”

Egyptian participants said the country’s experience in urban development and climate adaptation continues to contribute to broader regional conversations on building more sustainable and livable cities.