From September 4 to 6, 2024, the inaugural Africa Urban Forum will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, gathering key stakeholders from across the continent to advance the goals of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. Convened by the African Union, the Government of Ethiopia, and UN-Habitat, among others, the forum will play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa that is driven by its citizens and positioned as a dynamic force in the international community.
The Forum, under the theme “Sustainable Urbanization for Africa’s Transformation – Agenda 2063,” will explore the essential role of urbanization in achieving the objectives of Agenda 2063 and shaping the future of Africa’s cities. Discussions will focus on two key sub-themes: financing urbanization for socioeconomic transformation and fostering sustainable and resilient urban development across Africa. These topics will help address the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid urbanization on the continent.
Key outcomes expected from the Forum include an African Union declaration on sustainable urban development, which will represent Africa’s stance on this critical issue and will be presented at the twelfth session of the World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt, in November. The event also aims to raise awareness of Africa’s urban agenda at the highest levels, including among Heads of State, and to establish a roadmap for implementing the African Union’s declaration on sustainable, equal, and inclusive urbanization. Additionally, the Forum seeks to secure commitments for urban development financing, capacity building, and support for the implementation of flagship projects across the continent.
