These remarks came during Madbouly’s speech at a press conference held on the sidelines of WUF12, which kicked off Monday morning in New Cairo.

He noted that this decision is a message of appreciation from the United Nations (UN) to the country.

Meanwhile, Madbouly highlighted that this event is the second-largest organized by the UN, following the Climate Summit, which Egypt hosted in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2022.

He noted that the forum brings together 37,000 participants, including 72 ministers and 96 governors, mayors, and representatives from civil society, the private sector, and governments — a scale that presents a logistical challenge for the city to ensure smooth movement to and from the venue.

Madbouly then attributed Cairo’s readiness to host the forum to significant efforts in urban transport projects, infrastructure, and other large-scale projects across Cairo and Egypt as a whole.

"I can confidently say that Egypt has carried out all the major projects within Cairo that align with the objectives of the World Urban Forum," he added.

Accordingly, these developments, he explained, have created confidence that the forum will be a success story.

The prime minister expressed hope that the forum’s outcomes will be impactful, making a meaningful difference in addressing urban development issues amid current global challenges.

Meanwhile, Minister of Local Development Manal Awad Mikhail emphasized that involving all stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, youth, and women, is essential for national development and building sustainable and resilient cities that meet future challenges. 

In her address during the joint opening session of the assemblies, Mikhail also stated that the ministry plays a key role in local reform and development by empowering administrations and enhancing decentralization in sectors, like education, health, economy, and infrastructure, promoting well-being for all citizens.  

In addition, she stated that Egypt's upcoming efforts will prioritize empowering local administrations, updating laws, and strengthening institutional capacities to improve service delivery, transparency, and accountability, as part of the commitment to sustainable urban development. 

"Your participation today reaffirms our belief in the power of cooperation and partnership in facing urban challenges. Let us work together through this important international platform to achieve a better future, ensuring that our cities and communities are sustainable and inclusive, enhancing the well-being of all their inhabitants," the minister said, concluding her speech.