The Kingdom's pavilion at the World Urban Forum showcases its successes
His Excellency the Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Mr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, inaugurated the Kingdom's pavilion at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), hosted by Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. This strategic participation aims to highlight the pioneering Saudi model in urban development and showcase exceptional success stories in the housing sector. The pavilion also seeks to highlight the comprehensive transformation driven by Saudi Vision 2030, which has made the Kingdom's cities a model of sustainable development.
History and importance of the World Urban Forum
The World Urban Forum, established in 2001 by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), is the premier global conference on urbanization and sustainable urban development. Since its inception, the Forum has served as a vital platform, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the globe to discuss the growing challenges posed by rapid urbanization. The current session in Baku is particularly significant, taking place at a time when the world is striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, making the exchange of experiences and best practices crucial for the future of cities.
Strategic dimensions and expected impact of Saudi participation
The Kingdom's participation in this global event has far-reaching dimensions and impacts at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, this participation enhances the standing of Saudi cities and attracts quality investments that support the national economy. Regionally, the Kingdom presents an inspiring model for neighboring countries on how to manage urban transformation effectively. Internationally, showcasing the Kingdom's experience contributes to enriching the global dialogue on humanizing cities and underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at building resilient, sustainable, and inclusive urban communities.
Humanizing cities and reviving urban identity
During his speech at the pavilion's opening, Minister Al-Haqil emphasized that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed a radical transformation, with its cities becoming more accessible and human-friendly. He noted that the initiatives and directives launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect him – most notably the King Salman Urban Charter, have brought about a qualitative and historic shift in restoring cities to their rich cultural and heritage identity, while integrating them with the latest modern technologies to meet the aspirations of their residents.
Achievements in developmental housing and global competitiveness indicators
His Excellency the Minister addressed the tangible achievements in the developmental housing sector, describing them as among the nation's most remarkable success stories. More than 50,000 families have been able to own their homes in record time, contributing to raising the rate of homeownership among Saudi families and achieving the desired balance across the Kingdom. He explained that the housing support programs offered to all eligible groups reflect the leadership's commitment to providing a dignified life for citizens, noting that all Saudi cities are currently undergoing comprehensive replanning processes to align with the objectives of Vision 2030.
In closing, Al-Haqil highlighted the remarkable progress achieved by Saudi cities in global indicators, noting that eight Saudi cities achieved a prominent position in the IMD Smart City Index, reflecting the strength and robustness of the Kingdom's digital government infrastructure. He also commended the inclusion of 16 Saudi cities in the Healthy Cities Index, which comprises over 80 precise criteria and standards that focus on improving quality of life and providing a healthy and sustainable environment for residents and visitors of Saudi cities.
