On Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh embarked on a significant journey to Cairo, Egypt, where he will lead Nepal’s delegation at the much-anticipated World Urban Forum (WUF). This high-profile event, running from November 4 to 8, is sponsored by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and gathers officials from over 150 countries, mainly focusing on urban development challenges.
Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, gave a warm farewell to Singh at Tribhuvan International Airport, highlighting the importance of this forum not just for Nepal, but for the global community. Singh’s participation marks a crucial opportunity for Nepal to showcase its unique urban development challenges and strategies on an international platform.
The theme for this year’s forum is “It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities,” reflecting a growing recognition of the significance of local initiatives in addressing global urbanization challenges. Singh is set to engage in three vital sessions where he will discuss Nepal’s experiences, emphasizing the challenges faced in settlement development, the impacts of climate change on urban areas, and the ongoing progress in habitat development.
Since its inception in 2001, the WUF has served as a key platform for discussing the ramifications of rapid urbanization on communities, cities, economies, and policies. The forum is expected to bring together a diverse array of representatives from national, regional, and local governments, academia, the business sector, urban planning, and civil society. This collaborative environment aims to foster innovation and create actionable strategies to enhance urban living conditions worldwide.
Singh’s delegation underscores Nepal’s commitment to sustainable urban development, a topic of increasing importance as cities worldwide grapple with issues like housing shortages, climate resilience, and economic inequality. He is scheduled to return to Nepal on November 9, hopefully bringing back insights and connections that could further propel the nation’s urban strategies.
Stay tuned as Prakash Man Singh’s journey unfolds and as Nepal strives to make a meaningful impact at the World Urban Forum! #WorldNews #Politics #Tourism #Environment
