Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o is in Katowice, Poland for the 11th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF11).
The convention organized by the UN-Habitat brings together world leaders to deliberate on rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change, and policies across the globe.
Under the theme ‘Transforming our Cities for a Better Urban Future’, the WUF11 is envisioned to provide greater insights and clarity on the future of cities based on existing trends, challenges, and opportunities, as well as suggest ways cities can be better prepared to address future pandemics.
The forum is also held under the auspices of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the New Urban Agenda, which aim to achieve sustainable urbanization and a better urban future for the cities.
WUF, vouched as one of the most inclusive international gatherings on urban issues is scheduled to take place from June 26 to 30.
In a statement released by the County Communication directorate on Monday, Prof. Nyong’o is attending the premier global conference to share his experiences on sustainable urbanisation.
“The forum will highlight a state of informed preparedness that provides us with the opportunity to anticipate change, correct the course of action if necessary, and become more knowledgeable on the different possibilities that the future of cities offer,” read the statement in part.
At the WUF11, Prof. Nyong’o is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Parliamentarian’s roundtable on the role of parliamentarians in the promotion of sustainable urban development and implementation of Agenda 2030 and the New Urban Agenda at the national level.
Prof. Nyong’o stated that he boasts of immense experiences as a former member of parliament, Cabinet Minister in the national government, and a sitting Governor of Kisumu County which he intends to share with the global leaders.
The summit held every two years brings together representatives of national, regional, and local governments, academics, business people, community leaders, urban planners and civil society representatives.
The delegates participate in breakaway sessions that provide a platform for a high-level discussion on the potential of national urban policies to address challenges in the fields of environment, housing, mobility, spatial planning, innovation and technology.
According to UN-Habitat, the world’s population in urban areas is projected to surge from 56 percent to 60 percent by 2030.
Urban areas are deemed as the engines that will absorb all the future growth of the world’s population. Thus, every region is expected to become more urbanized in the next decade.
The first WUF took place in Nairobi, Kenya in 2002 and has since been held around the world every two years.
