Saudi Arabia presents its experience in sustainable development at the World Urban Forum
Active Saudi participation in the World Urban Forum
His Excellency the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Mr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will participate with a high-level delegation in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, hosted by the city of Baku in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Mr. Al-Hogail, who is heading the Kingdom's delegation, affirmed that this participation aims to showcase Saudi Arabia's pioneering experience in the field of sustainable urban development and to highlight the qualitative transformations achieved by the Kingdom in vital sectors such as housing, urban planning, and the humanization of cities, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Background of the forum and its international significance
The World Urban Forum, organized biennially by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), is the premier international platform for discussing urbanization and its impacts on communities, cities, and the environment. The Forum brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world to exchange experiences, build partnerships, and discuss the best ways to achieve the eleventh UN Sustainable Development Goal: “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.” The Kingdom’s participation in this international forum reflects its commitment to actively contributing to the global dialogue on the future of cities.
The Saudi Experience: From Rapid Growth to Sustainability
Over the past decades, the Kingdom has witnessed rapid urban transformation. With the launch of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has shifted its focus from quantitative expansion to adopting an integrated approach that places people and quality of life at the heart of development. Al-Hogail explained that the Kingdom's delegation will showcase a number of national initiatives and projects that embody this transformation, such as innovative housing programs like the "Sakani" program, smart city projects, and technological solutions that have contributed to increasing the efficiency of municipal services, improving the urban landscape, and enhancing environmental sustainability. He stated, "The Kingdom is proceeding according to an integrated development vision that places people at the heart of development and promotes the integration of urban planning, sustainability, and innovation, contributing to building more vibrant, resilient cities with a higher quality of life, and keeping pace with future changes and challenges.".
Local, regional and international impact
The importance of this participation extends beyond the international level to encompass local and regional dimensions. Locally, these projects enhance the quality of life for citizens and residents and bolster the economic competitiveness of Saudi cities. Regionally, the Saudi experience offers a model that can be leveraged by other countries in the region facing similar urban challenges. Internationally, the Kingdom's participation underscores its commitment to strengthening cooperation with various countries and international organizations concerned with the future of cities, and to sharing its innovative solutions to address shared global challenges.
