Moscow Showcases Urban Achievements at the World Urban Forum

From November 4 to 8, Cairo hosted the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12), a major international event dedicated to sustainable urban development, held under the auspices of the United Nations (UN-Habitat). For the third time, the Government of Moscow presented a large-scale exhibition at the Forum, which featured discussions with leading experts from 182 countries. The central theme of WUF12 was: “It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities.”

The official opening of the Moscow pavilion was attended by Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow, Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations, and Evgeny Seliverstov, Member of the Moscow City Duma and Chair of the Urban Development Commission.
Moscow’s exposition was presented in an interactive format, showcasing the city’s key projects, including the housing renovation program, redevelopment of industrial zones, environmental sustainability initiatives, and the development of cultural and sports clusters, parks, and public spaces. The pavilion also hosted a rich business program.

Styled as a modern residential complex, the stand offered visitors a visual journey through time, featuring two contrasting apartment interiors — one reflecting contemporary design, the other styled in the tradition of the previous century. This concept vividly illustrated the transformation of Moscow’s housing infrastructure in line with modern standards of comfort and evolving resident needs.

As part of the Forum’s business program, the Government of Moscow co-organized a panel session with the Guangzhou Institute for Urban Innovation. The session focused on prospects for global cooperation on urban climate policy. Moscow representatives presented an analytical report titled “The Climate Agenda of BRICS Cities”, which assessed climate adaptation and mitigation measures in major urban centers across BRICS countries. The session brought together experts from across Asia and Africa.

During the Forum, Sergey Cheremin met with Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber. The two sides discussed avenues for deepening cooperation, exchanging best practices, and enhancing coordination between the two capitals. Additional working meetings were held at the Cairo Chamber of Commerce and the headquarters of the League of Arab States, where topics related to expanding bilateral cooperation were addressed.

The Moscow delegation also hosted an official reception, where acclaimed Moscow chefs Yevgeny Osin and Mikhail Murzin introduced guests to the rich flavors of traditional Russian cuisine. Young musicians from the capital performed popular classical pieces, underscoring the importance of cultural exchange as part of international collaboration.