Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has reinforced South Africa’s dedication to advancing the New Urban Agenda through sustainable urban planning and development. Kubayi spoke on this commitment during a ministerial roundtable at the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) Summit, currently taking place in Cairo, Egypt.

The session, hosted by UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach, gathered global leaders to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation across different levels of government to realise the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Key areas of focus included enhancing multilevel governance, supporting housing initiatives, advancing climate action, optimising finance systems, leveraging digital technology, and addressing urban crises.

Kubayi emphasised that South Africa is committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which calls on nations to create cities and human settlements that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The New Urban Agenda, which provides a shared vision for sustainable urbanisation, aligns closely with this goal, and Kubayi believes that effective planning and management of urban growth can drive sustainable development across both developing and developed nations.

“We have recognised that this is one of the most important areas of work to address pressing global challenges, including rapid urbanisation, climate change, inequality, and inadequate infrastructure,” she said.

Kubayi underscored that the South African government has adopted a multistakeholder approach, partnering with the private sector and civil society to ensure inclusivity in its urban development programmes. “We are committed to leaving no one behind; everyone is included as part of our programmes,” she stated.

The Minister highlighted the significant role of private sector partners in providing financial support and helping accelerate the implementation of urban initiatives. Kubayi also stressed the importance of collaboration with academic research organisations, which contribute evidence-based insights to inform and sustain policy decisions.

“We have launched our research agenda as the South African government to ensure that the solutions we bring to the table for implementing the urban agenda and achieving the UN’s SDG goals are not only evidence-based but also sustainable,” she explained.

To ensure an inclusive and comprehensive approach, Kubayi noted that South Africa’s commitment involves representation from all three levels of government—national, provincial, and local. The involvement of various government spheres is essential to creating a robust governance structure that fosters collaboration at all levels.

“That is why our delegation here includes representatives from national, provincial, and local government. We believe this approach is sustainable, ensuring that all hands are on deck,” she said.

The 12th World Urban Forum Summit, themed “It all starts at home: Local actions for sustainable cities and communities,” brings together leaders from around the world to discuss innovative solutions for creating sustainable cities. Through its active participation, South Africa is reaffirming its role in the global movement to address the unique challenges of urbanisation while striving towards a sustainable, inclusive future for all its citizens.