AUDI Signs Three Strategic Agreements During AECD Forum in Riyadh to Enhance Urban Collaboration and Sustainability Efforts

Riyadh, May 11-13, 2025

Highlighting the expanding role of the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI) in urban development and global collaboration, AUDI signed three key strategic agreements during the Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum (AECD 2025). The forum, held from May 11 to 13 at the Hilton Hotel in Granada, was hosted by the Riyadh Region Municipality in partnership with AUDI, under the theme “Bridging Cities, Building Futures.” The signing of these agreements was part of the forum’s agenda—an unprecedented regional event designed to foster meaningful urban dialogue between Arab and European cities. The forum aims to encourage collaboration and facilitate the exchange of expertise among mayors, governors, international urban organizations, municipal unions, donor institutions, and development banks.

In this context, and alongside the forum, AUDI signed three strategic agreements with international and regional organizations to advance urban transformation, promote sustainability, and foster knowledge and technology partnerships in Arab cities.

An Agreement with METROPOLIS International to Launch International City Diplomacy Program

As part of these agreements, AUDI partnered with Metropolis International to launch the International City Diplomacy Program. This program aims to build the capacities of Arab city leaders in urban diplomacy, city governance, and the development of institutional cooperation networks. The program emphasizes strengthening knowledge partnerships among member cities and coordinating efforts to attract and tap into external funding for collaborative initiatives, thereby enhancing the Arab presence on global urban platforms. Metropolis International represents over 160 major cities worldwide, encompassing more than 700 million people.

A Partnership Agreement with Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) to Enhance Knowledge and Urban Innovation

As part of its commitment to digital transformation and the development of smart cities, AUDI signed a partnership agreement with the Smart City Expo World Congress—one of the leading global events dedicated to smart cities and sustainability. This agreement includes support for the activities of the conference, with an emphasis on enriching its scientific content and hosting specialized dialogue sessions. The partnership aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices and the development of innovative smart solutions to enhance the quality of life in Arab cities. It also encompasses joint efforts in organizing the Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum (AECD2027).

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

AUDI also announced the launch of a regional urban greening project in collaboration with the Municipality of Tunisia and with support from the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD). This project centers on three key areas as follows:

• Green Lung of the Neighborhood: Revitalizing urban areas by transforming them into community-driven green spaces
• Short-Term Urban Initiatives: Carrying out extensive tree-planting and greening campaigns.
• Knowledge Dissemination: Developing training materials and documenting experiences to create a valuable knowledge resource that supports the sharing of expertise. The project is carried out with active involvement from universities and local communities, organizing workshops and design studios that engage residents in both planning and implementation.

A Strategic Approach to Building More Resilient and Sustainable Cities

The three agreements signed by AUDI demonstrate a strategic commitment to forging robust international partnerships and advancing innovative urban policies. These efforts aim to boost the resilience of Arab cities in tackling growing environmental, social, and economic challenges, while promoting an integrated urban model focused on inclusivity and sustainability.