A number of international experts and specialists in the fields of urban economics, innovation, and cultural development have emphasized that technology, despite its importance, must be used as a means to improve quality of life and enhance the well-being of the population, rather than being considered an end in itself, and that adopting a human-centered approach to urban planning places people at the center of the development vision and strengthens cities" ability to address future challenges with a spirit of innovation and social integration.
This was stated during a specialized panel discussion as part of the Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum, which discussed in depth the role of organizing major events as strategic tools for promoting sustainable development, building more cohesive and prosperous societies, and strengthening local identity. The session served as a platform for European and Arab cities to exchange experiences in managing major events and leveraging them to develop resilient and advanced urban economies.
Transforming Major Events into Effective Tools and Initiatives
The session featured a select group of international experts and specialists in the fields of urban economics, innovation, and cultural development. They reviewed successful experiences and emphasized the importance of transforming major events into effective tools for creating a long-term impact by developing smart and sustainable infrastructure and ensuring citizen engagement in the planning and implementation phases.
The speakers noted that the true value of these events extends beyond the boundaries of the host city to encompass a broader network of cities through joint cooperation and knowledge sharing.
They cited reports from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that outline how to leverage events from the bid phase through to post-implementation, emphasizing the importance of measuring impact and placing citizens at the center of policies and initiatives.
In the context of expanding the scope of regional impact, it was announced during the session that an edition of the Smart Cities 2025 in the capital city of Riyadh this coming September, in a move aimed at engaging Middle Eastern cities in this global movement and fostering public-private partnerships.
The conference is one of the world’s leading events, attracting more than 25,000 professionals and 1,000 companies annually. It has contributed to launching significant urban transformations in Barcelona, such as reducing dependence on cars and promoting public transportation, as well as the adoption of sustainable practices including recycling, reducing plastic use, and promoting social inclusion and gender equality—with women making up 60% of the speakers.
