Al-Haqil at the World Urban Forum: Housing programs for one million families
On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect them, His Excellency the Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Mr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, headed the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participating in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum. This prominent event, organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), is being held in Baku and is witnessing wide participation from heads of state, officials, experts, and international organizations concerned with sustainable urban development.
History and importance of the World Urban Forum
The World Urban Forum, established in 2001 by the United Nations, is the premier global conference on urbanization and urban development. Its creation was a response to the growing challenges posed by rapid urbanization and its direct impact on societies, economies, and climate change. Since its inception, the Forum has become a vital platform bringing together decision-makers to exchange visions and policies aimed at improving the quality of life in cities. The current session underscores the need for concerted international efforts to address housing and urban planning crises amidst rapidly changing global landscapes.
Vision 2030: Redefining the Urban Concept
During his address at the forum, His Excellency Minister Al-Hogail emphasized that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing an unprecedented urban transformation driven by the objectives of Vision 2030. This transformation is not limited to infrastructure development alone, but extends to making quality of life and sustainability key pillars of urban development. He explained that the Kingdom is working to redefine the concept of the city by adopting modern urban models that create a delicate balance between economic development, environmental sustainability, and citizen well-being, thus contributing to building more inclusive and human-centered cities.
Pioneering housing programs that have benefited one million families
Domestically, Al-Hogail reviewed the Kingdom's significant achievements in the urban and housing sector. Among the most prominent of these achievements is the rise in homeownership rates to over 66%, a figure that reflects the success of effective government policies. In addition, innovative housing and development solutions and programs have been provided, benefiting more than one million Saudi families. These efforts included developmental housing programs that directly contributed to empowering the most vulnerable families to own their homes, thereby enhancing their social and economic stability and achieving the desired social solidarity.
Humanizing Saudi cities and the transition towards smart cities
The Minister of Municipalities and Housing pointed out that the Kingdom has placed people at the heart of urban development. This is evident in the enhancement of urban accessibility and the redesign of cities to be more vibrant and safe. To preserve cultural heritage, 19 architectural styles reflecting the diverse Saudi urban identity have been launched, while keeping pace with modern urban development. Looking to the future, the Kingdom is moving forward in building smart cities based on advanced technologies and data; more than eight Saudi cities have been included in the IMD Smart City Index, and 16 Saudi cities have joined the Healthy Cities Initiative, thus improving quality of life and achieving sustainability.
Regional and international impact of the Saudi experience
The Kingdom's participation in this international forum is not limited to showcasing its achievements, but extends to highlighting its anticipated regional and international impact. The Saudi experience represents a leading model that developing countries can utilize in addressing housing and urbanization challenges. Al-Hogail emphasized the importance of strengthening international partnerships and exchanging expertise and knowledge to build more resilient cities capable of facing future challenges. This international cooperation solidifies the Kingdom's position as an active and influential force in shaping the future of sustainable urban development globally.
