The First Advisory Board Meeting of AUDI

The Advisory Board of the Arab Urban Development Institute held its first meeting on Tuesday, Muharram 3, 1446 AH, corresponding to July 9, 2024. The meeting was chaired by His Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh Region, President of AUDI and Chairman of the Advisory Board, with the participation of board members including Dr. Anas Al Mughairy, Director General of AUDI; Dr. Yasser Elsheshtawy, expert in Arab city development; Mr. Tom Murphy, Former Mayor of Pittsburgh, USA; Dr. Fouad Malkawi, urban planning and finance expert at the World Bank; Professor Robert Cervero, urban planning expert at the University of California; and Dr. Neila Akremi, Director of International Cooperation at the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) and Director of Capacity Building Working Group at the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG).

His Highness Dr. Faisal bin Ayyaf, Chairman of the Board, opened the meeting by welcoming the board members and thanking them for their attendance. He emphasized that the board will play a crucial role in guiding the Institute toward achieving its strategic objectives. He also highlighted the importance of leveraging the insights and ideas of the experienced members to support the Institute’s mission in enabling Arab cities to identify their challenges and assist them in addressing them, despite their varying conditions, sizes, and stages of urban development.

During the meeting, Dr. Anas Al Mughairy, Director General of AUDI, reviewed the topics on the meeting’s agenda. He presented the Institute’s strategy, programs, activities, initiatives, and global engagements.

The meeting featured contributions from board members who shared their perspectives on AUDI and its programs. Among the key recommendations discussed were the importance of focusing on existing partnerships with European cities and setting future goals for expansion with diverse regions, including Asian, African, and American cities. The members also emphasized the need to establish relationships with major investment companies to support and sustain the Institute’s programs.

Additionally, the council recommended addressing the challenges facing Arab cities and providing policy recommendations on effectively dealing with these issues, such as climate change. They also suggested creating a platform to offer and categorize regional services and knowledge aimed at providing information to donors and becoming a trusted partner for cities. Another recommendation was to strengthen the capabilities of cities by creating a platform that supports their growth and development, helping them achieve their goals.

The board members also emphasized the importance of establishing original programs that position the Institute as a leader in its field. They recommended maintaining continuous communication with member cities to ensure effective impact. Lastly, the board suggested leveraging the Institute’s status as a global organization to connect and empower communities and cities, fostering collaboration and exchange of innovative ideas.

His Highness Dr. Faisal bin Ayyaf, Chairman of the Board, concluded the meeting by emphasizing the importance of ongoing communication with its members. He highlighted that this board would serve as a strong pillar in supporting the Institute’s efforts to achieve its ambitious vision of developing Arab cities and improving their quality of life.