The capital hosts Riyadh The first version of Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum The forum is an international event organized by the Riyadh Municipality, the first of its kind in the region, and constitutes a strategic platform to strengthen ties between Arab and European cities, enhance city diplomacy, and support their orientation towards a more sustainable and inclusive urban development, under the theme “Cities Partnerships for a Better Future” from May 11 to 13.
The forum is jointly organized by the Arab Institute for City Development, the PLATFORMA platform of the Union of European Municipalities and Regions, and the International Agency of the Union of Dutch Municipalities. The choice of Riyadh as the first city to host the forum comes to confirm its advanced position in the regional and international urban scene, and its pivotal role in supporting municipal initiatives and promoting cross-border partnerships.
International presence at the forum
The forum is attended by a number of secretaries, mayors and mayors from different cities, as well as international organizations including urban organizations, municipal unions, funds and donor institutions specialized in supporting development projects, making it a meeting point for municipal decision-makers and development representatives from around the world.
The forum will discuss a range of common issues facing cities, including infrastructure challenges, improving the quality of municipal services, digital transformation, sustainable finance, climate change, and multi-level collaboration between cities and urban actors.
The forum includes a series of interactive sessions and round tables, a trustees' forum, an ideas marketplace, workshops organized by specialized international organizations, in addition to field visits that review the major projects in Riyadh, especially the public transport and environmental transformation projects, giving delegates an opportunity to learn about the city's experience in urban transformation and linking development to its cultural and social identity.
Practical recommendations to boost the resilience of cities
This initiative contributes to crystallizing practical recommendations that enhance the ability of cities to innovate and participatory planning, with a focus on building cross-border partnerships in the areas of financing infrastructure projects and urban services. The forum is a practical platform to link Arab and European cities with real financing opportunities through direct communication with donor institutions and investors, opening new horizons towards activating local projects within integrated development frameworks.
This hosting comes in light of Riyadh's rapid transformation into a global city based on advanced infrastructure and an ambitious vision that aims to build an integrated urban model that balances development, environment and quality of life, in harmony with the objectives of the comprehensive national vision.
With its slogan “City Partnerships for a Better Future”, the forum embodies the commitment of Arab and European cities to promote joint action, exchange experiences, and explore innovative solutions to urban challenges, thereby enhancing the chances of building more integrated and prosperous cities for future generations.
For more information, visit the forum's website: https://aecd2025.org.
