Cairo, Egypt(Mogadishu24)-A high-level Somali delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Abdisalan Abdi Ali, is in Cairo for the 12th World Urban Forum, co-hosted by Egypt and UN-Habitat.

Key officials, including the Minister of Public Works and Mogadishu Mayor Yusuf Hussein Madale, are attending the forum, which opened Monday and runs through November 8.

This year’s theme, “It all starts at home: Local actions for sustainable cities and communities,” brings over 20,000 participants from more than 170 countries to discuss pressing urban challenges, from climate resilience and social equity to housing shortages.

The World Urban Forum, launched in 2001, is now the UN’s second-largest event after the climate summit, gathering leaders, experts, and stakeholders to explore solutions for sustainable urban development aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The forum emphasizes the urban priorities of developing nations, aiming to address rapid urbanization and housing needs while showcasing community-led success stories.