Randa Fouad: “Through the World Art Forum for Development Foundation, we aim to highlight Egypt’s commitment to combating climate change by promoting sustainable art.”

The World Art Forum for Development Foundation (WAFDF), in collaboration with the United Nations, UN-Habitat, and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), inaugurated the World Urban Forum and Cairo Urban Week at the National Museum of Civilization. This landmark event highlighted the vital theme of sustainable cities and communities, attended by the Minister of Local Development, the Governor of Cairo, a distinguished elite of ambassadors, and the Managing Executive Director of the NMEC.

In his welcome speech, Dr. Al-Tayeb Abbas, Managing Executive Director of the Authority of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, expressed pride in hosting this significant event at the museum. Emphasizing NMEC’s role as a cultural and artistic beacon in Egypt, he affirmed the museum’s full commitment to ensuring the forum’s success.

Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development, demonstrated enthusiasm for the forum’s opening session at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, a symbol of Egypt’s rich heritage. She pledged support for Cairo Urban Week’s success, commended WAFDF for organizing the event, and stressed the importance of promoting sustainability and community development through such initiatives.

Dr. Ibrahim Saber, Governor of Cairo, voiced his delight for Cairo Urban Week, organized by the governorate as part of the World Urban Forum, scheduled for November 4-8. Noting that the forum is the second-largest event on the UN’s calendar after the Climate Summit, he spotlighted the governorate’s extensive preparations, from welcoming 160 nations to showcasing Egypt’s innovative urban development projects. These include Egypt’s pioneering work in eliminating slums, the establishment of alternative housing like the Al-Asmarat City project, and initiatives transforming urban spaces to benefit local communities.

Mr. Ahmed Rezk, Egypt Country Director for UN-Habitat, pointed out that the World Urban Forum, second only to the Climate Summit in UN events attendance, is expected to draw approximately 20,000 participants from Egypt and around the world. He underscored the unique significance of hosting the forum in Cairo, the historic capital chosen for the first time in two decades, adding a rich element of diversity and reflecting Egypt’s active role in urban advancement.

Randa Fouad, Founder and President of the World Art Forum for Development Foundation, elaborated that the Cairo Urban Week seeks to build momentum for the upcoming World Urban Forum in Cairo this November. Celebrating the city’s rich cultural diversity and unique heritage, this event will foster dialogue on sustainable urbanization. It will gather experts, policymakers, and local communities to share ideas and showcase cutting-edge urban solutions through a range of activities and discussions.

Fouad added that the Cairo Urban Week and the World Urban Forum kicked off at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The opening session spotlighted the pivotal role of visual arts, tracing their evolution from ancient Egyptian masterpieces to modern expressions of sustainable Egyptian art.
She extended her appreciation to Dr. Al-Tayeb Abbas, the current Executive Director of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, the museum’s former Executive Director, acknowledging their dedicated efforts in supporting Cairo Urban Week.

Randa Fouad announced that another prestigious celebration is set to coincide with the World Urban Forum on November 5, 2024, at the Al-Manara Conference Center. This event will mark the launch of the Sustainable Art Exhibition organized by the World Art Forum for Development Foundation (WAFDF). During the occasion, awards will be presented to the winning young Egyptian artists of the Sustainable Art Competition, which was announced earlier in June 2024. This competition, sponsored by PepsiCo Egypt and organized by WAFDF.

The celebration is anticipated to draw notable attendees, including Dr. Hala Elsaid, Economic Advisor to the President; Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment; Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity; and Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund.

Fouad illustrated that the Sustainable Art Exhibition, sponsored by the Commercial International Bank (CIB), will run throughout the World Urban Forum. This exhibition will showcase sustainable art focused on recycling, created by young Egyptian artists who were trained as sustainable art ambassadors at the foundation. Their works will be on display at this international forum, providing attendees from around the globe with an opportunity to experience Egypt as a vibrant land of art and civilization. The exhibition underscores Egypt’s endeavors to align with global initiatives against climate change through the promotion of sustainable art