National Development Projects in support of Sustainable Urbanization

Urban population is vastly growing especially in developing regions, where megacities add to the massive transformation of societies. This growth is usually not paced with equal growth in urban services or adequate infrastructure resulting in insufficient provision of services, increasing traffic congestion, severe environmental degradation as well as the spreading of squatter settlements and slums and eventually the increased Urbanization of poverty. Recently, Egypt has faced such multidimensional challenges of declined economic growth rates, growing environmental threats, in addition to various socioeconomic, and governance challenges. This resulted in unbalanced distribution of population and economic opportunities, and unclear roles and distribution in the system of cities and further expansion over agricultural land affecting quality of life. In response, the government of Egypt has developed its national vision including programs and a set of Mega National Projects. This networking event will focus on presenting the main pillars of the National Urban development agenda in Egypt, and how the newly introduced principles of sustainable neighborhood and vibrant, efficient, sustainable cities shall affect development process and results. The presentation from Egypt will link these principles to key National projects including the New Administrative Capital, East Port Saied, New Alameen City, development of Suez Canal Corridor, developing the Northwest Coast and the Golden Triangle. Alternatively, comparative experiences from Arab Countries, Latin America and Asia will also be presented to shed light on the different urbanization situations and the efforts made to ensure national sustainable urbanization in various contexts and governance settings. Presentations will link to concepts of urban land management, including addressing urban sprawl, enhancing urban and periurban food production, addressing urban mobility challenges and improving technical capacity to plan and manage cities. The event and dialogue shall present lessons learned and recommendations for sustainable urban development to be included in the new urban agenda.