Sheikh Sultan Al-Burkani, the Speaker of the Yemeni Parliament, attended the 12th World Urban Forum held in Egypt, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. The forum’s theme was “Everything Starts Locally: Let’s Work Together for Sustainable Cities and Communities.”
From November 4 to 8, the forum gathered representatives from national, regional, and local governments, academics, business leaders, urban planners, and civil society to discuss pressing urban challenges facing the world today. Participants reviewed significant local initiatives aimed at addressing global issues such as the housing crisis and climate change.
In his remarks, Al-Burkani emphasized the significance of the World Urban Forum, particularly noting that its 12th session takes place in Egypt, a country with a rich history of urban development dating back to the era of the Pharaohs along the Nile River. He stated, “We have enacted development plans through various laws in our countries and parliaments. Although we have discussed sustainable development goals, they unfortunately remain fragmented, as Ambassador Mukhtar Omar pointed out.”
Al-Burkani acknowledged the substantial challenges and complex political situations faced by countries like Yemen, Iraq, and Syria. He urged participants to emerge from the forum with meaningful contributions that offer structured, practical, and sustainable solutions rather than temporary fixes.
He highlighted that the repercussions of global and local crises pose the most significant challenges, especially in conflict-affected countries. Yemen, burdened by war and suffering inflicted by Houthi militias and their sponsors, stands at the forefront of these impacts. Al-Burkani painted a grim picture of the severe damage endured by millions of Yemenis and their cities since the Houthi coup, emphasizing the urgent need for these issues to be addressed at the forum.
The Speaker of Parliament reiterated that Yemen’s historical civilization constitutes a vital part of the world’s heritage. He called for action in response to the pleas of parents wishing for their children to pursue a hopeful future without fear, while also preserving their rich cultural and environmental legacy.
Al-Burkani also addressed the destruction of human lives, cultural heritage, and infrastructure in various parts of the world due to war. He questioned how society can discuss the development of human communities while witnessing aggressive actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, which devastate lives and critical infrastructure.
He stressed the necessity of serious, systematic, and sustainable efforts to tackle these issues. “Without a comprehensive and practical approach, we will not solve the problems or achieve our desired goals,” he asserted. He expressed hope that the Cairo forum would produce such resolutions as part of its outcomes.
Member of Parliament Qassem Al-Qasadi also participated in the World Urban Forum activities, contributing to the discussions on urban sustainability and development.
The forum serves as a crucial platform for addressing urban challenges and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to create sustainable communities worldwide.
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