Attended by over 100 Cities and 50 Global Organizations, Riyadh concludes AECD Forum with an International Consensus on Fostering Sustainable Urban Partnerships

Riyadh, May 11-13, 2025

The Saudi capital, Riyadh, concluded the inaugural edition of the Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum, hosted by the Riyadh Region Municipality in collaboration with the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), under the theme “Bridging Cities, Building Futures.” This landmark forum saw high-level participation from mayors, governors, and city leaders, as well as an elite of urban experts and representatives from international organizations, development banks, and municipal unions from both the Arab world and Europe.

Over three days, Riyadh became a dynamic platform for meaningful urban dialogue. Participants addressed key challenges facing cities today, including climate change, rapid population growth, and the demands of digital transformation. The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening urban diplomacy and establishing long-term cooperation networks between cities to enhance the quality of life and advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

Qualitative Discussions and Investigative Field Visits

The forum included a series of dialogue sessions and specialized workshops that explored critical issues such as climate change and strategic planning, innovative urban financing, digital transformation in municipal governance, and fostering cultural and knowledge-based cooperation between cities. A dedicated “Cities Leadership” session was also held, chaired by H.H. Prince Dr. Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh Region and President of AUDI. The session concluded with the announcement that Madrid, the capital of Spain, will host the next edition of the forum in 2027, underscoring the forum’s commitment to ongoing dialogue and strengthening urban connections.

As part of the event program, city leaders and participating delegations toured several major projects and notable landmarks in Riyadh, including the Sports Ploulevard Project, the Historical District, and the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). These visits provided insights into the city’s urban development initiatives and showcased Riyadh’s experience in modern urban planning and transformation.

Signing Strategic Partnership Agreements

The forum featured the signing of three significant strategic agreements between the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI) and various international partners. These agreements reflect AUDI’s ambition to serve as a leading regional platform for fostering coordination and collaboration in urban development. The three agreements are as follows:

• The first agreement was signed with Metropolis International to launch the International City Diplomacy Program, aimed at strengthening municipal leadership and advancing urban governance through capacity building and international collaboration.
• The second agreement was concluded with the Smart City Expo World Congress to support the implementation of specialized scientific programs focused on digital transformation, extending till 2027.
• The announcement of a Regional Project for Urban Greening in Partnership with the Municipality of Tunisia, Green Activities in some Arab Cities – Participatory Greening of Neighborhoods in Arab Cities and supported by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. The project focuses on enhancing public spaces by converting them into participatory green areas, contributing to more sustainable and community-centered urban environments.

Recommendations and a Roadmap for Integration

During the closing session, participants put forward several key recommendations. Chief among them were the consolidation of sustainable cooperation networks between Arab and European cities, the development of more flexible urban financing mechanisms, and the promotion of community engagement in decision-making processes. They also highlighted the significance of city twinning and the exchange of practical expertise in infrastructure and public services.

H.H. Prince Dr. Faisal bin Ayyaf emphasized that Riyadh’s hosting of the forum underscores its commitment to positioning itself as a leading city in the development of sustainable and smart urban futures. He noted that the gathering served as a valuable opportunity to forge strategic relationships among capitals and major cities.

For his part, H.E. AUDI Director General Dr. Anas Mofarreh Almughairy, described the forum as a pivotal moment in Arab European urban dialogue. He noted that the outcomes and partnerships established during the event will be translated into practical programs and initiatives in the upcoming phase.

Global Recognition and Planning for the Upcoming Edition

The forum ended with strong praise from participating delegations, who commended its excellent organization, the wide range of topics covered, the depth of discussions, and the quality of the outcomes. Participants highlighted the need to establish the forum as a recurring platform for urban dialogue between decision-makers and experts from the Arab world and Europe. Such a platform would foster knowledge exchange, strengthen cooperation, and support cities in pursuing balanced and sustainable development at both regional and international levels. With the successful conclusion of the forum’s first edition, Riyadh has reinforced its role as a regional hub for urban dialogue and a platform for sharing innovative experiences and leading initiatives. These efforts aim to reshape cities into smarter, more human-centered, and environmentally and socially connected spaces.