AUDI is meeting with UN ESCWA to collaborate on enhancing urban development in Arab cities

The Arab Urban Development Institute met with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN ESCWA) on Thursday, 28 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH, corresponding to July 4, 2024, to discuss opportunities for collaboration in enhancing urban development in Arab cities. The meeting was attended by Dr. Jihad Farah, Director of the Urban Policy Research Program at AUDI; Dr. Montasser Al-Hayari, Director of the Training and Capacity Development Program; and Engineer AbdelRahman Al-Zoubi, Urban Program Coordinator and from ESCWA; Dr. Sakinah Al-Nasrawi, Director of the Sustainable Urban Development portfolio, was present.

The meeting included a presentation of the AUDI 2025 strategy and programs. It explored opportunities for cooperation in urban policy research, digital transformation, and the urban dimensions of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the discussion covered ways to collaborate on training and institutional capacity building for officials in the municipal sector.

The participants also discussed the potential for integrating AUDI’s training programs with its executive program, “The International Program in Urban Innovation and Management,” and ESCWA’s Mayors Academy initiative. Both parties emphasized the importance of cooperation and integration among regional organizations to support cities and urban development in the Arab region, aiming to align efforts and amplify their positive impact on cities.