Young Ambassadors for the Environment at the World Urban Forum 12 – Cairo, 2024

The 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12), organized by UN-Habitat, took place from 4 to 8 November 2024 in Cairo, Egypt. This major international event brought together representatives from around the world to discuss contemporary urban challenges, with a particular focus on sustainable development, inclusivity, climate adaptation, and innovation in cities.

Thanks in part to funding from the OFQJ, the JAE attended WUF12 with a strong ambition: to actively contribute to discussions on public sustainable development policies, represent the voice of young people within the French delegation, present the JAE, and strengthen ties with other young people engaged internationally. Prior to the forum, they actively participated in the drafting of a booklet on planetary boundaries for local stakeholders and contributed to the strategic preparation of the delegation.

On site, our two JAE representatives, Noé Ade and Éloïse Leguerinel, took an active part in several key moments of the forum. During the official inauguration of the French Pavilion, they spoke to share their vision of the city in 2050: inclusive, resilient, and responding to climate and social challenges. Less than a week before the opening of COP29 Climate, and in a context of disappointment following COP16 Biodiversity, their speech highlighted priorities such as reducing the urban ecological footprint, preserving ecosystems, and creating sustainable city models.

They also led a pitch presentation of the association, highlighting the impact of their projects: awareness campaigns, recycling actions, nature developments in the city, etc. Their presence helped to promote civic engagement and to underline the essential role of young people in promoting sustainable development, both locally and internationally.

Furthermore, the JAE were approached by the media: a live appearance on Nile TV on the show “Hello Egypt!” and an interview on Radio Cairo 95.4 FM allowed their messages to be heard beyond the forum.

Finally, their participation in a workshop on the adaptation of cities, and in the “Children and Youth Roundtable”, allowed them to exchange on these important subjects and to nourish their reflections on these global issues, in particular the North-South inequalities in access to sustainable urban planning.

The FUM12 was thus a key step for the Young Ambassadors for the Environment, consolidating their role as a link between decision-makers and committed youth, and strengthening their partnership with the PFVT with a view to future editions.