Dr. Sahar Attia, is a Professor at Cairo University. She was the Head of the Department of Architecture at the Faculty of Engineering from 2013-2017. She has more than 35 years of extensive experience in academia and practice. She is chairing the steering committee for the Universities Network Initiative - UN Habitat (UNI), and a member in the Standing committee of the World Urban Campaign. Her research interests and publications include participatory approaches in Urban Development, Urban Regeneration, and Upgrading the Informal Areas, with a special focus on sustainable cities.