Riyadh Hosts the First Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum with Broad Participation of Cities’ Leaders
The capital city, Riyadh, is hosting the first edition of the Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum under the theme “City Partnerships for a Better Future.” This international event, organized by the Riyadh Municipality, is the first of its kind in the region and serves as a strategic platform to strengthen ties between Arab and European cities, promote city diplomacy, and support efforts toward more sustainable and inclusive urban development. The forum is co-organized by the Arab Urban Development Institute, PLATFORMA (the pan-European coalition of local and regional governments), and the International Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG International). Riyadh was chosen as the inaugural host city, affirming its prominent status in the regional and global urban landscape and its pivotal role in supporting municipal initiatives and fostering cross-border partnerships. The event sees broad participation from mayors and municipal leaders, as well as representatives from urban organizations, municipal unions, development funds, and donor institutions. It thus becomes a central meeting point for decision-makers and international development actors from around the world. The forum’s sessions and discussions will tackle core issues facing cities today, including infrastructure challenges, service quality improvement, digital transformation, sustainable financing, and climate change. It also aims to enhance multi-level cooperation among cities and other key players in the urban development field. Activities include a series of interactive sessions, roundtables, a mayors’ forum, an idea marketplace, and workshops hosted by specialized international organizations. In addition, field visits will showcase Riyadh’s advanced urban development experience, particularly in public transport and environmental transformation. These visits offer delegates the opportunity to closely observe the city’s comprehensive transformation journey, firmly rooted in its cultural and social identity. This initiative is expected to result in actionable recommendations that strengthen cities’ capabilities in innovation and participatory planning, with a particular focus on building cross-border partnerships in infrastructure and urban service project financing. The forum also provides a practical platform to connect Arab and European cities with real funding opportunities through direct engagement with donor institutions and investors, opening new horizons for the implementation of local projects within integrated development frameworks.The hosting of this forum comes as part of Riyadh’s rapid transformation into a global city built on advanced infrastructure and an ambitious vision aimed at creating a comprehensive urban model that balances development, the environment, and quality of life, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The forum’s theme, “City Partnerships for a Better Future,” embodies a practical commitment by Arab and European cities to enhance joint action, exchange expertise, and explore innovative solutions to urban challenges , paving the way toward more integrated and prosperous cities for future generations.
For more information, please visit the forum’s official website: https://aecd2025.org
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