The Urban School at the World Urban Forum 2024

During the 12th Session of the World Urban Forum, convened by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), that took place in Cairo, Egypt, from 4 to 8 November 2024, the Urban School of Sciences Po led a training session titled "Tackling Urban Climate Risks: Practical Guidance on Managing Heat Risk and Nature-based Solutions." 

The event showcased innovative approaches to implementing nature-based solutions in cities, bringing together expertise from AtkinsRéalis, NUST Namibia, IHS - Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, and ISOCARP Institute, facilitated by Francesca Ferlicca, Rachel L. Mellon Post-Doctoral Fellow on the project “Nature in the City”. 

Working alongside these partners, our team guided participants through practical approaches and interactive discussions with city representatives: from Rasha Abou Zaid presenting urban heat challenges in Egypt's 6th October City to Odhiambo Ken K'oyooh showcasing stormwater management solutions in Kisumu County, Kenya, the discussions spanned various urban challenges. Christopher Rollo shared insights on climate resilience and disaster-risk reduction from Surigao City, Philippines, while Felix Guerrero addressed water resource management in Cuenca, Ecuador. Artur Sampaio rounded out the global perspective with the innovative Jardim Maravilha River Park project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This collaboration exemplifies the Urban School's commitment to combining academic excellence with practical solutions for urban challenges. The training's success demonstrates the Urban School's growing role in shaping sustainable urban futures through knowledge exchange and capacity building at major international forums. For prospective students interested in urban innovation and climate resilience, this represents the kind of practical, solution-oriented learning experience that defines education at Sciences Po's Urban School.