KUWAIT: Secretary General of Arab Towns Organization Abdul Rahman Al-Asfour said on Monday that Arab cities and urban centers hold a prominent position in the priorities and development processes. They require transformative efforts to fulfill their development plans and programs.
In his opening speech at the conference on "Quality of Life in Cities”, organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) in Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf, in celebration of World Cities Day and in partnership with the Kuwait-based Arab Towns Organization, Asfour emphasized that achieving the development process necessitates collective efforts and an openness to others to gain and share experiences, effectively addressing changes.
He stressed that the collaboration has become indispensable for the progress and enhancement of Arab cities, ensuring they keep pace with global developments and advancements. This collaboration is facilitated through seven institutions affiliated with the Arab Towns Organization, serving over 600 Arab cities and municipalities.
Asfour pointed out that World Cities Day is a significant occasion that carries great value for humanity. It highlights the importance of cities as cultural, economic and social hubs in human life. The celebration raises awareness of the challenges and opportunities faced by cities worldwide on various issues.
World Cities Day reflects the global commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11, which focuses on "making cities and human settlements open, inclusive, safe and sustainable”. This encourages the exchange of experiences and ideas to promote collective learning and the adoption of best practices in city development and management.
Asfour emphasized that cities are hubs of innovation and progress, where diverse human, economic and social resources converge. He highlighted that addressing urban challenges requires international and local cooperation, promoting sustainability and joint action to ensure a better future for upcoming generations in urban environments that signify progress, diversity and prosperity.
He noted that the conference marks a new beginning towards more plans and strategies aimed at achieving sustainable growth for our cities, ultimately delivering the quality of life we aspire to. "Through effective partnerships, we can achieve a significant leap in development programs that enable our cities to keep pace with progress,” he reiterated.
Dr Amira Al-Hassan, Head of Mission of UN-Habitat in Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf, highlighted the conference’s focus on vital topics related to city services, infrastructure and city adaptation to face anticipated challenges due to their geographic locations and the impact of global climate change.
She emphasized that the Habitat program works towards achieving the 11th Sustainable Development Goal and the New Urban Agenda. Kuwait has already adopted the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda. These efforts aim to address the increasing strain on natural resources and escalating pollution, which pose a serious risk to future generations and the sustainability of urban services and quality of life for families. She expressed hope that the conference would yield comprehensive recommendations, including a roadmap for Arab cities.
Khalid Al-Bakr, CEO of the Quality of Life Program Center in Saudi Arabia, emphasized the significance of the conference in sharing expertise and experiences at various levels in Arab cities. He noted the substantial transformation that Saudi Arabia has undergone under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which has brought about significant changes at the city level.
Bakr underlined the kingdom’s commitment to contributing to the implementation of sustainable development plans and goals. He mentioned the "Green Saudi Arabia” initiative, an ambitious national effort aimed at addressing the effects of climate change, improving the quality of life and preserving the environment for future generations. The initiative supports the adoption of a circular carbon economy model and the transition to a green economy, with three primary goals: Reducing carbon emissions, reforestation and safeguarding land and marine areas. — KUNA