APA Leaders Advocate for Planners at 12th World Urban Forum in Egypt

The American Planning Association joined the international community November 4-8, 2024, in Cairo, Egypt, for the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) to exchange ideas and learn new ways to uplift and support planners at home and abroad. The theme was, "It all starts at home: Local actions for sustainable cities and communities." The theme aligned with APA's priority focus and the entire forum offered an opportunity for extensive knowledge sharing about the global housing crisis, including in-depth discussions about solutions and actions both at home and abroad.

APA President Angela D. Brooks, FAICP, and Chief Foresight and Knowledge Officer Petra Hurtado, PhD, were among the 24,000 people representing 182 countries at WUF12. In total, over 63,000 people participated — whether online or in person — including four heads of state, 60 ministers, 45 deputy ministers, and 96 mayors.

"We have broken many records and scaled new heights at this World Forum," said UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach in recent UN news about the event.

The American Planning Association (APA) cosponsored a booth at the World Urban Forum (WUF) conference at which attendees could learn about the 2024 Trend Report for Planners. Photos courtesy of Petra Hurtado.

APA leaders and staff at World Urban Forum 12, held in Cairo, Egypt, in early November.

During the five-day forum, Brooks and Hurtado met with collaborators and potential partners to further the goals of planners in the future. They also held a World Town Planning Day gathering on November 8 at the booth APA co-sponsored with City Space Architecture, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCRAP), and the Urban Planning Society of China (UPSC). At the booth, attendees were able to learn about APA's foresight practice, upskilling, and the important role of planning-led zoning reform efforts to increase the nation's housing supply.

Brooks also spoke at two sessions on how the Housing Supply Accelerator initiative has been working to increase housing supply production and increase the availability and affordability of housing in the U.S. She also spoke during the Global Planners Network reception.

APA President Angela D. Brooks (third from left), FAICP, is pictured with other speakers after one of the sessions at WUF12. Brooks spoke about how the Housing Supply Accelerator initiative has been working to increase the production of housing supply.

Top image: APA President Angela D. Brooks (center), FAICP, participates in a session focused on increasing housing supply during the World Urban Forum conference November 4-8, 2024, in Cairo, Egypt. Photo courtesy of Petra Hurtado.