The Institute for Environment Research and Development, IERD, a Nigerian government-registered research institute, is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming World Urban Forum in Cairo.
IERD will on November 6, 2024, co-host the “Voices From Cities” event at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre, focusing on the developmental achievements of Nigerian cities and key innovations across all 36 states.
IERD, led by prominent professors in environmental research, has an established history of influencing global urban development discussions.
The institute’s insights have shaped the final reports of the UN-HABITAT World Urban Fora, with notable contributions at sessions in Nanjing (2008), Rio de Janeiro (2010), Naples (2012), and Medellin (2014). Recognized for its expertise, IERD was appointed a partner of the African New Urban Agenda programme in 2013 and facilitated the launch of the United Nations Habitat’s State of World Cities report in Nigeria at Caleb University in 2014.
The Cairo event, drawing an anticipated 25,000 participants from 181 nations, will spotlight exemplary Nigerian cities in categories such as “city smartness,” innovative development, prosperity, security, and intercity cooperation.
Dr. Wole Akiode, former IERD research fellow and current head of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Kampala, Uganda, outlined these focus areas for the event.
Prof. Oyebanji Oyelaran, Special Adviser to the President of the African Development Bank on Industrialization, underscored the importance of governance and industrial growth to help lift Africa from extreme poverty. “Prudent governance spending, combined with sustainable industrialization, is critical for Africa’s economic recovery,” he stated.
Additionally, Executive Director of Della Sustainability and Resource Institute, Dr. Marwan Abdulkarim, advocated for grassroots and inclusive governance, aiming to elevate Nigerian cities in the global discourse. Urban planning expert Prof. Mathew Dayomi further emphasized that urban transportation is a vital factor in evaluating the efficacy of urban governance.
IERD will introduce these critical themes to the global audience, with insights from Dr. Oluyinka Abiodun Olumide, Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Mr. Oumar Sally, Director of the African Regional Office of the United Nations, who will be presenting at the Cairo summit.
