AUDI Signs Two Strategic Agreements at World Urban Forum

22 May 2026

The Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI) concluded its participation in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), organized by UN-Habitat in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17–22 May 2026. The forum, one of the world’s leading platforms on the future of cities and sustainable urban development, brought together more than 30,000 participants from 178 countries. During its participation, AUDI, represented by its Director General, H.E. Dr. Anas Almughairy, signed two strategic agreements aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and advancing joint efforts in the development of Arab cities. In the presence of H.E. Dr. Sami Hijjawi, Palestinian Minister of Local Government, the first agreement was signed with the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), represented by its Executive Director, Eng. Abdallah Anati. The agreement aims to support the preparation and development of project proposals for funding agencies, enhance municipal service delivery, implement specialized training programs, and promote the exchange of institutional and technical expertise. The second agreement was signed with the Nouakchott Region, represented by its President, H.E. Ms. Fatimetou Abdel Malek, under the framework of the “Participatory Greening of Neighborhoods in Arab Cities” project. The agreement aims to support environmental sustainability, improve quality of life, and enhance urban greening initiatives alongside the development of residential neighborhoods. AUDI also held three main sessions focused on the most pressing urban priorities in the Arab region. The sessions were titled:

Launching of State of Arab Cities Report 2026: Housing, Land and Basic Services as Foundations for Resilient Urbanization, in collaboration with UN-Habitat.
From Dialogue to Action: Arab & European Cities Co-creating Inclusive Urban Living
Transforming Neighborhoods Together: Participatory Greening in Arab Cities

Further, as part of its participation, AUDI launched a report titled “State of Arab Cities Report 2026 (SACR 2026), in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), with the involvement of several international organizations, city mayors, and urban experts. The report offers a regional assessment of the overlapping challenges facing Arab cities, including conflict and displacement, climate change, water scarcity, and energy-related challenges, highlighting the need to address housing, land, and basic services as interconnected pillars that play a vital role in promoting urban sustainability and strengthening the resilience of cities throughout the region. In addition, a number of AUDI staff members participated in four specialized dialogue sessions with a selected group of international researchers and experts, addressing key challenges and emerging transformations in sustainable urban development. On the sidelines of the forum, AUDI also held more than 50 bilateral meetings and discussions with representatives of international organizations, government entities, and research institutions, aiming to explore future cooperation opportunities and expand its network of institutional partnerships. AUDI’s pavilion attracted significant attention, welcoming over 2000 visitors from international and regional organizations, universities, research institutions, and specialized associations worldwide. Visitors were briefed on AUDI’s key projects and programs supporting sustainable urban development in Arab cities, as well as its innovative initiatives and solutions addressing urban growth challenges. This participation reflects AUDI’s continued efforts to strengthen its international presence as a leading Arab platform for urban development. It also underscores its vision of building more sustainable and resilient Arab cities through fostering international dialogue, knowledge exchange, and effective partnerships that contribute to a better urban future for the Arab region.