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Practical Info

General Information

The twelfth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) will be held from 4 to 8 November 2024 in Cairo, Egypt, and is co-organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of Egypt. Held every two years and convened by UN-Habitat, the World Urban Forum is the premier global conference on urbanization. It brings together a wide range of participants from around the world to discuss major urban challenges facing the world today.

Since its first convening in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2002, the World Urban Forum has expanded both in size and remit. WUF has become the premier global conference on sustainable urban development and an appreciated platform for sharing best practices and innovation. You can check previous WUF locations and information here.

WUF12 venue

WUF12 will be held at the Egypt International Exhibition Center located at El-Moshir Tantawy Axis, Al Hay Al Asher, Nasr City, Cairo Governorate 4440301, Egypt. More information on the location can be found here.

Download WUF12 venue.

Online Registration

First sign up with creating your profile on the UN-Habitat Global Events Management System (GEMS) and submit your WUF12 online registration. The registration opened on 1 February 2024 and will close on 30 October 2024 at 06:00 p.m. (UTC+02:00).

You can download your automated registration email from your GEMS personal dashboard and edit your registration details until online registration closes.

Do I have to individually register for the forum?

Yes. Application documents are available in English only and can be completed and submitted electronically.

Can I register a minor for the forum?

Yes. Children under 18 years of age are welcome to attend WUF12. Please visit the Guidelines for access to and participation of minors during WUF12 for more information.

Is registration free?

Yes.

In-person attendance

Early registration is advisable. An automatically generated confirmation email, including a QR Code and unique registration number, will be your ticket to access your photo badge on arrival at the WUF12 venue for the in-person event. You must bring your valid national identification document you have used at the point of online registration with you to receive your photo badge for WUF12.

How do I choose the appropriate registration form and partner types?

The World Urban Forum has one registration form which should be submitted. You can choose your partner type during the registration process.

How can l be accredited as media?

All media representatives must apply through the general registration portal and identify as members of the media. To support your media accreditation – and allow you permission to bring recording and broadcast equipment to the WUF12 venue – you must provide both national identification and identification as a media representative, with a valid national or international press association card or press pass you have used at the point of online registration. Media representatives will have access to the press room for filming and to sites on the grounds for stand-ups. A media toolkit will be provided to accredited members of the press.

Can l attend WUF12 virtually?

We will inform you in due course on the procedure to be accredited for virtual attendance.

Language(s) and Accessibility
What is the official working language of WUF12?

The working language of the World Urban Forum is English. Opening and closing sessions, dialogues, special sessions, roundtables and press conferences will feature interpretation in the six UN official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Chinese).

Sign Language

Organizers of partner-led events can book additional language services and sign language, at own cost. All partner-led events will have CART.

Accessibility and wheelchair access

The WUF12 venue is fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs will be available at the registration area for participants for use during the Forum and on the premises.

Service dogs

The WUF12 venue welcomes service or guide dogs (must have certificate – please carry a copy). There are two dog relieving areas within the venue. Please ask a Volunteer for assistance if need be. 

Programme
How can I find out about the WUF12 programme and when an event is scheduled?

Information about different events at WUF12 will be available in the WUF12 programme here.

Programme at a glance as of 11 September 2024

Urban Expo
What is the Urban Expo?

An international Urban Expo will run throughout WUF12 to showcase urban development projects, best practices, and innovative solutions to tackle the challenges of housing, transport, energy, and climate change, among others. The Expo will also feature large pavilions capable of hosting unofficial events. 15,000 participants are expected to pass through the doors of the Urban Expo as a popular destination during each WUF. WUF12 registration is compulsory to visit the Urban Expo.

Who can exhibit?

Member States, local and regional authorities, civil society, academia, the United Nations, the private sector, and other intergovernmental organizations can host exhibitions at the Urban Expo. Exhibitors can reserve stands on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications that meet the selection criteria will be approved. More information is available in the exhibition guide.

What are the deadlines for exhibition space bookings?

The deadline for booking exhibition space is 30 September 2024.

How can I apply for exhibition space?

You can submit an exhibition space application by selecting "Applications" from the menu in the GEMS personal dashboard. Your exhibition space application will be reviewed and if accepted confirmed upon payment.

What is the cost of exhibiting at the Urban Expo?

The cost of empty floor space within the exhibition halls is $220 per square meter, while outdoor space costs $200 per square meter. The cost of pre-built stands will be available shortly on the exhibition guidelines.

If l register as an exhibitor, do l need to register as a participant?

If you are registered as an exhibitor, you can participate in all sessions and events of WUF12. To be registered as an exhibitor means that you are registered for WUF12.

Do exhibitors need to be present at the booth for the entire forum?

Yes, we kindly ask exhibitors to ensure that one staff is present at their stand at all times throughout the entire forum.

Will I be allowed to sell merchandise at my exhibition stand?

The sale of merchandise at the Urban Expo is strictly forbidden, exhibitors are allowed to distribute promotional material free of charge.

Will I be allowed to sell or distribute alcohol at my exhibition stand?

Distribution and consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden at the Urban Expo.

Will l have access to meetings if l am registered as an exhibitor?

All registered exhibitors may access the meetings which are open to all participants at WUF12.

I only want to visit the Urban Expo, do l have to register?

Yes, if you wish to visit the Urban Expo only you still need to register and get a WUF12 badge.

Event Participation

The World Urban Forum brings together sustainable urbanization champions from around the world. Whether they’re representatives of government or non-government and community organizations; private sector entrepreneurs, students, academics or foundation representatives, WUF’s participants constitute a broad array of constituents eager to explore the urban transformation agenda as it relates to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. Participants can be younger than 18 years of age and are welcome to attend, but must be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian.

Is registration and participation at WUF12 free of charge?

Yes. The registration link is found on the WUF12 webpage. Every participant must register in order to attend WUF12. No one will be granted admission to WUF12 and the WUF12 venue without having registered and obtained the WUF12 photo badge.

What type of events can one find at WUF?

Events at WUF12 include assemblies, dialogues, roundtables, networking, training, urban cinema and urban library events. Most of the events on the WUF12 programme are open to everyone. Selected events are by invitation only.

Will I need an invitation letter to participate in a WUF12 event?

No. You can register online on the WUF12 website and get your accreditation badge once you arrive at the venue in person with a copy of your registration confirmation letter and personal identification used during registration to participate in an event at WUF12.

Can I be denied access to the WUF12 venue?

Yes. In the interest of security and safety of all participants and the smooth running of the sessions, UN-Habitat reserves the right to deny and/or restrict access to the WUF12 venue, or to request participants to leave the premises, in line of the Code of Conduct to Prevent Harassment, including Sexual Harassment at UN System events. UN-Habitat will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by participants who are requested to leave the premises or refused registration/accreditation or access to the forum sessions for which they have been nominated and/or registered as participants, panelists or speakers.

Partner-led event applications

Stakeholders have submitted over 1100 applications for WUF12 in the following 7 partner-led event categories:

  • Networking events
  • Voices from Cities
  • SDGs in Action
  • Urban Library
  • ONE UN
  • Training events
  • Urban Cinema

Click here for additional information on the partner-led events.
The application for the Urban Expo will close on 30 September 2024 (at 23:59 UTC+03:00).

For more information about the Urban Expo, please read the Exhibition Guidelines.

Media guidelines

The following media guidelines will apply for the international visiting media attending the World Urban Forum (WUF12):

  1. WUF12 accreditation is sufficient, and no additional accreditation is needed for the foreign online and print media to work at the World Urban Forum venue.
  2. WUF accredited foreign broadcast media need to send an official letter to the Press Center for Foreign Correspondents to facilitate entrance of the broadcast equipment at the following email address: wuf12_media@hotmail.com
  3. The official request should include a list of delegation members with the following details: Name, Nationality, Profession, Affiliated Entity, Date of Birth, Passport Number, and an electronic PDF copy of the passport and list of equipment along with a copy of the WUF12 registration and flight details (arrival and departure). 

This information should be submitted before 21 October 2024. Please note that the below equipment is not allowed:

a) Drones

b) Live streaming or broadcasting units (TV U- Live View, etc.)

c) Protective Gear (helmets - vests, etc.)

  1. Accredited foreign media at WUF12 may conduct coverage outside the WUF12 venue after receiving clearance from authorities. To do so, they must follow the procedures outlined in point 2 and specify the topics and locations they intend to cover. This request for clearance must be submitted before 4 October 2024.
  2. International media representatives who are accredited in Egypt by the Egyptian Press Center for Foreign Correspondents - State Information service should upload their press center ID photocopy.

For further information, or to arrange interviews with key speakers, please contact our press team at unhabitat-media@un.org.

On-site accreditation
When will the onsite accreditation start to obtain the WUF12 photo badge?

The photo badge is required to get access to the WUF12 venue. To avoid delays and long queues, participants are advised to arrive early and pick up their registration badges as early as possible. On-site accreditation will be operational at the WUF12 venue as follows:

1 – 3 November: 09:00 - 18:00 

4 – 5 November: 07:00 - 18:00

6 – 8 November: 08:00 - 17:00

What will I need to present to get accredited?

For in-person accreditation at the venue, you need to bring a copy of the email registration confirmation, which includes your unique registration number and QR code, and proof of identification used for your online registration. The WUF12 venue will be well-marked with directions, information, and a map of the facilities. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to answer any questions.

Visa and invitation letters
Will UN-Habitat issue invitation letters?

UN-Habitat will not issue invitation letters to WUF12 participants. WUF12 participants must contact their nearest embassy or consulate of the Arab Republic of Egypt for information about obtaining a visa, if required.

Do I need a visa, where and how do I apply?

Please contact the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate. While UN-Habitat will not issue invitation letters to WUF12 participants, it is recommended to attach the "WUF12 Registration confirmation" email when applying for your visa. Please note that the WUF12 registration document will NOT guarantee that a visa will be issued.

Visa support

UN-Habitat and the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt are committed to supporting WUF 12 participants with the processing of their visa applications at embassies and consulates of the Arab Republic of Egypt or their respective locations for applicants who need to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Egypt.  

Should participants have any queries or need support in the processing of visa applications, please contact us by email through unhabitat-visasupport@un.org.  The information provided is given with the participant’s consent and will be shared with the Government solely for the purpose of processing visa application.

Details to be provided:

  1. First, middle and last name
  2. Nationality
  3. Date of Birth
  4. Passport number
  5. Passport Expiry date
  6. Country/City location where the participant will submit the visa from
  7. WUF12 registration confirmation email
     

Please note that this is no guarantee that approval will be granted as each application will be considered in accordance with the guidelines, rules and procedures established by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Egypt requirements at point of entry 

Yellow Fever Requirements for passengers entering Egypt

Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission:

Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo and Uganda.

Americas: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.

Egypt requirements at Point of Entry:

Vaccination certificate is required against yellow fever for travelers to Egypt (9 months or over) in the form of an international vaccination certificate as specified in Annex 6 of the IHR, and for travelers having transited for more than 12 hours in an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Countries with risk of poliovirus:

Afghanistan - Malawi - Mozambique - Pakistan - Madagascar - Democratic Republic of Congo.

All residents and long-term visitors (more than 4 weeks) to countries with the potential risk of international spread of polio virus, receive a dose of bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) vaccine between 4 weeks and 12 months prior to traveling to Egypt.

More information will be available soon on this website.

Financing / Sponsorship

It has come to our attention that there are calls for submission to receive free flight and accommodation to the World Urban Forum to attend a youth session. Please note that UN-Habitat does not currently endorse or support any public calls for applications for funding related to the upcoming World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo. We encourage stakeholders to refer to official UN-Habitat channels for accurate information and updates regarding WUF12 and its associated opportunities.
 

Can l get sponsorship to participate in the forum?

No. Sponsorships will not be made available to participants by UN-Habitat. You are responsible for making your own arrangements for travel, accommodation, health, and travel insurance and to cover your own expenses in Egypt.

Can l get refunded for my travel costs by UN-Habitat?

No. Participants are expected to cover their own travel costs.

Will I be provided accommodation by UN-Habitat?

No. Participants are expected to cover their own accommodation costs and expenses.

Will l be refunded for the visa application?

No. Participants are expected to meet all costs related to their participation in WUF12.

Accommodation
Where can I find accommodation in Cairo?

Participants are responsible for securing accommodation at their own cost.  

Find here the WUF12 recommended hotels with negotiated rates. Check on the list of hotels to discover where service dogs are allowed.

Participants are free to book any other accommodation of their choice.

Transport
More information will be available soon on this website.
Internet Connection
Will there be WIFI?

The Egypt International Exhibition Centre offers free WIFI services throughout the venue.

Will there be a WUF12 APP?

Yes. More information will be available soon on this website.

Will there be live webcast?

Yes. UN Web TV will live webcast the WUF12 main events. More information will be available soon on this website.

Other useful information
Will there be prayer rooms inside the venue?

Yes. Prayer rooms will be available inside the WUF12 venue. Directions can be obtained from the information desk or be found on the wayfinding signage and map displayed within the venue.

Where can I find the information desk?

Various information desks are found within the venue and at the airport.

Where can I find staff or focal points who are coordinating events?

Please ask at the Information desk for guidance.

May I present a paper at the Forum?

No, there are no calls for presentation of papers, academic study, articles, etc. at the World Urban Forum.

May I volunteer at WUF12?

Volunteer opportunity can be found here.

May I sell my book or a product at WUF12?

No. The World Urban Forum does not facilitate the sale of private products, publications, etc. The same applies for the Urban Expo.

Which currency is used?

The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound. The exchange rate may vary daily.

Which voltage and electrical outlet is used?

Egypt operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz, with two plug types: plug type C and plug type F. Plug type C has two round pins, while plug type F has two round pins and two earth clips on the side.

Where can I purchase a mobile sim card and airtime?

Participants can subscribe to a service pack with mobile telephone operators. A valid passport is required as the prior document for subscription. The costs of this operation vary depending on the operator and desired pack. You can purchase a mobile sim card upon arrival at the international airport.

Which are the mobile operators?

Currently, there are four companies which offer cellular communication service: Orange, Vodafone, Etisalat, and We (by Telecom Egypt). These companies also provide services surpassing voice communication, such as 4G, 3G, and mobile data for internet surfing.

Will there be medical support at the WUF12 venue?

First aid and emergency medical services will be available inside the WUF12 venue.
Participants are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive international medical and travel insurance for the duration of their stay. UN-Habitat or the host country will not be responsible for medical, accident and travel emergencies, for compensation for death or disability, for loss of or damage to personal property and for any other costs or losses that may be incurred during travel or the period of participation at the conference including pre-sessional meetings.

Contact
How can I contact UN-Habitat in case of other general questions?

Please write to unhabitat-wuf@un.org

How can I contact UN-Habitat in case of questions regarding registration, events and on-site accreditation?

Please write to unhabitat-events@un.org