From November 4 to 8, 2024, Cairo, Egypt, hosted the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), convened by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). The event brought together a record-breaking 30,000 participants from 182 countries, including experts, panelists, and attendees from diverse backgrounds. They gathered to explore this year’s theme, “It All Starts at Home,” reflecting on its significance across various sectors and its impact on global challenges such as climate change and the lack of essential services.
At this crucial juncture, the World Farmers Markets Coalition (WorldFMC) was honored to contribute to the forum and share our efforts in building a global community of farmers markets. Our presence at WUF12 allowed us to highlight the vital connection between farmers markets and urban development, underscoring their role in fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and stronger communities.
During two workshops we organized at the event, we emphasized how farmers markets add value to society from multiple perspectives. Farmers markets serve as a bridge between producers and consumers, connecting rural areas with urban centers by offering fresh, locally sourced products directly from farmers. This model supports local economies while promoting food education and protecting biodiversity by providing access to affordable, nutritious food.
A standout example of this model’s success is the MAMi FM Project (Mediterranean and African Markets Initiative of Farmers Markets). We showcased the tremendous success of the Alexandria Farmers Market in Egypt, which opened on October 26, 2024, as part of this initiative. The market has quickly become a vital hub for the community, supporting both local producers and consumers.
The WUF also offered a spot for us to participate as speakers in key panel discussions. One particularly impactful session, organized by Health Bridge, was titled “Food in the City: Connecting Livelihoods, Culture, and Sense of Home for Newcomers.” During this discussion, we highlighted the important role farmers markets play in fostering cultural identity and a sense of belonging for recent migrants, helping them integrate into their new communities.
We were also pleased to hear from notable speakers, such as Eman Seif Ahmed, Deputy Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, who shared insights into the training initiatives and challenges overcome in implementing farmers markets. Rania Samir, representing Ciheam Bari, spoke about the significance of international collaboration as a driving force behind the success of these projects.
In addition to the workshops and panels, WUF12 provided an excellent opportunity to introduce the WorldFMC to a broader audience, fostering new connections that we hope will lead to further collaborative activities and initiatives.
If you’re interested in learning more about the World Farmers Markets Coalition and our ongoing efforts, please visit our website at www.worldfarmersmarketscoalition.org or reach out to us at info@worldfmc.org.
