Riyadh is set to host the inaugural edition of the Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum on Sunday under the theme “City Partnerships for a Better Future.”
The forum, scheduled to run till May 13, is organized in cooperation with the Arab Urban Development Institute, PLATFORMA— a platform of the Association of European Municipalities and Regions—and the International Cooperation Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities.
The event will convene secretaries, mayors, municipal leaders, international organizations, municipal unions, and donor institutions specializing in development projects, aimed at enhancing institutional communication and sharing successful stories.
It also seeks to bolster ties between Arab and European cities, foster city diplomacy, and support efforts to drive sustainable and inclusive urban development.
Riyadh was chosen to host the inaugural edition because of its prominence in the regional and international urban landscape as well as the key role its plays in supporting municipal initiatives and promoting cross-border partnerships.
The forum will feature sessions and discussions that center on key urban challenges, to enhance the quality of municipal services, develop infrastructure, drive digital transformation and sustainable financing as well as addressing the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, it will explore multilevel cooperation opportunities between cities and international entities.
Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum is also set to provide practical recommendations to enhance cities’ capacities for participatory planning and sustainable financing.
These outcomes fall in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and Riyadh Municipality’s mission to offer high-quality municipal services and develop meaningful partnerships to drive sustainable urban development.
