Local Actions Are ‘the Building Blocks for Future Green, Just and Resilient Cities,’ Stresses Secretary-General, in Message for World Urban Forum

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the World Urban Forum, in Cairo today:

I am pleased to take part in the World Urban Forum.

It is fitting that you are gathering in Cairo — an enormously vibrant megacity and a magnet for innovation and creativity for over a thousand years.

I thank the Government of Egypt for hosting the twelfth Forum.

Dear friends, you represent urban areas which are home to more than half of humanity.  You are on the front lines of shaping a more inclusive, connected and resilient world. And you are at the heart of where lasting change happens.

As your theme rightly puts it:  “It all starts at home.”  Real progress begins at the local level.  On the ground.  In communities and people’s lives.

World leaders have just adopted the Pact for the Future.  It is an important new tool to advance our vital work, accelerate the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals] and address inequalities.

It calls for ensuring adequate, safe and affordable housing for all — and supporting developing countries to plan and implement just, safe, healthy, accessible, resilient and sustainable cities.

We need this more than ever.

Cities generate 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions.  And municipal waste is set to rise by two thirds within a generation.

Not only are cities powerful engines of social and economic development, they are also catalysts of sustainable solutions.

I see local and regional authorities as a crucial part of the answer on so many issues and at every level, including at the United Nations. We can all benefit from your insights and ideas.  That’s why I created the UN Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments.

I know over the next five days this Forum will have the chance to delve into the complexities and opportunities of sustainable urban development.

I invite you to seek innovations and inspiration and take them back to your communities.  And to help develop infrastructure and public services for all, including women and girls.

Local actions are the building blocks for future green, just and resilient cities.

Together, let’s make sustainable urbanization a reality. And let’s ensure that no one and nowhere is left behind.

Thank you.