AUDI Explores Urban Cooperation Opportunities with UN-Habitat to Strengthen International Partnerships

06 May 2026

His Excellency Dr. Anas Al-Mughairi, Director General of the Arab Urban Development Institute, met with representatives of UN-Habitat, including Ms. Taina Christiansen‏, Country Representative at UN-Habitat, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Ms. Marija de Wijn, Global Coordinator of the Quality-of-Life Initiative at UN-Habitat; and Ms. Najwa Lashin, Program Officer at UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States. The meeting reviewed AUDI’s 2030 Strategy Summary and its key initiatives aimed at advancing urban development across the Arab region. Discussions also addressed the Arab European Cities Dialogue Initiative and explored mechanisms for collaboration with thematic clusters teams to identify city priorities within a participatory framework. The meeting also discussed the role of the Quality of Life Initiative in supporting Arab cities, coordination for participation in the World Urban Forum in Baku (WUF13), and preparations for a joint coordination meeting between AUDI and the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States. Of note, this meeting is part of AUDI’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships and expand cooperation in support of Arab cities, enabling them to tackle contemporary urban challenges and enhance their presence in relevant international forums, gatherings and events.