During the Global Mayors' Forum on Dec 7, Laila Iskandar, former Egyptian minister of urban renewal and informal housing and current minister of the environment, emphasized the importance of engaging in dialogue with young people to bring about urban renewal. 

She commended Guangzhou for preserving traditional foods and green spaces in its urban renewal projects.

Iskandar pointed out that the Guangzhou Award places significant emphasis on dialogue between projects and the residents and communities they affect. She believes that the uniqueness of the Guangzhou Award lies in its complex, government-led system, which sends a message that local governments can effectuate change. 

She noted that more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of environmental protection and are willing to participate in such efforts.

On the topic of urban renewal, Iskandar believes that renewal is not just about changing physical spaces but also social mechanisms and the resettlement of people. She stressed the importance of dialogue with young people for governments, as it helps them to understand, appreciate, and remain in the city.