National Urban Forum 2025 Catalyzed Dialogue on Sustainable Cities in Durban

The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban hosted the National Urban Forum (NUF) 2025, a pivotal gathering that brought together urban development stakeholders from across South Africa and beyond to advance sustainable city-building efforts.

Jointly convened by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Department of Human Settlements (DHS), the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCOG), the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD), the South African Cities Network (SACN), eThekwini Metro, and the Africa Centre for Urban Safety (AFUS), with support from UN-Habitat, the forum served as a collaborative platform for dialogue and action.

Over two days, government leaders, urban planners, civil society representatives, private sector actors, and international partners engaged in robust discussions aimed at accelerating the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11, in alignment with Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063.

Key themes explored included housing and informal settlements, urban planning, service delivery, and climate resilience. The forum also played a strategic role in shaping South Africa’s priorities for the Urban 20 (U20), which the country is hosting this year.

A highlight on Day 2 was a panel discussion titled “Harnessing Youth Energy and Leadership in Activating Urban Spaces,” moderated by Ms. Lebogang Lechuba, Head of Communications at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO). The session spotlighted youth-led initiatives tackling gender-based violence (GBV), promoting inclusive urban economies, and enhancing city safety and resilience—underscoring the importance of youth voices in shaping the future of urban spaces.

The NUF 2025 concluded with a renewed sense of urgency and collaboration, reaffirming the commitment of all stakeholders to build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities that leave no one behind. The conversations sparked in Durban are expected to influence urban policy and practice for years to come.