Preparations Underway for the AECD Forum in Madrid
On July 20, 2026, the Steering Committee of the Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum (AECD), led by Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, the Mayor of Riyadh and President of the Arab Urban Development Institute, convened in Madrid. This meeting aimed to discuss preparations for the second edition of the forum scheduled for January 2027 in the Spanish capital. Participating in this significant gathering were notable figures such as José Luis Martinez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid and co-chair of the forum, alongside Fatiha El Moudni, Mayor of Rabat, and Dr. Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens, who are both esteemed members of the Steering Committee.
The committee emphasized the necessity of leveraging the success of the inaugural forum that took place in Riyadh, which highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration between Arab and European cities. This collaboration aims to enhance urban partnerships, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and devise innovative solutions to common urban issues facing both regions. The committee reviewed the organizational preparations for the upcoming forum, with members discussing various reports and recommendations from the working groups of participating cities. These insights are expected to significantly bolster the forum's effectiveness and its long-term impact.
During the meeting, the committee also explored the proposed framework and key themes for the 2027 forum, with the objective of establishing a unified vision that strengthens the AECD's status as a premier international platform for urban dialogue, knowledge exchange, and cooperative efforts between Arab and European cities. Following the success of the first forum in Riyadh—which attracted representatives from over 100 Arab and European cities, 45 international organizations, and more than 300 mayors and urban leaders under the theme "City Partnerships for a Better Future"—Madrid is poised to host this pivotal event as a continuation of these vital discussions.
The AECD forum is a strategic initiative of the Arab Urban Development Institute designed to bolster cooperation among municipalities in both regions, promote the sharing of expertise, and cultivate urban partnerships that support sustainable development and enhance the overall quality of life.
As reported by spa.gov.sa.
