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AECD
Secretariat

Creating the AECD Secretariat

During the AECD 2025 Cities Leadership Forum, over 80 city leaders came together to exchange perspectives on strengthening cooperation between Arab and European cities. The discussions underscored the need for a structured and continuous platform where cities can share experiences, address common challenges, and co-develop localized solutions that reflect the diversity of urban contexts across both regions. Through this collective dialogue, city leaders reiterated the importance of collaboration and mutual learning as essential pillars for advancing sustainable urban development. They recognized that while urban challenges are shared globally, effective solutions must be adapted to local realities and cultural contexts. Leaders also endorsed an agile approach – anchoring AECD as a recurring biannual event – to ensure adaptability, responsiveness, and long-term scalability.
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A key outcome of the CLF was the agreement to establish an AECD Secretariat under the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI). This body will lead the development, coordination, and institutionalization of the AECD as an evolving and impact-driven platform.

The Secretariat acts as the central coordination hub – ensuring continuity between editions, supporting partnerships, facilitating knowledge exchange, and driving the practical implementation of the AECD Roadmap and outcomes.

Roles and Responsibility

Implement

The AECD Operational Plan and Roadmap.

Ensure

Continuity and Momentum 
Between AECD Editions.

Serve

As the Central Coordination hub 
for the AECD network.

Facilitate

Communication, knowledge exchange, 
and follow-up among participating entities.

Coordinate

Activities such as working groups, webinars, bilateral meetings, and capacity-building initiatives.

Liase

With the Steering Committee, host cities, 
and partner organizations

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee plays a central role in guiding the Arab-European Cities Dialogue (AECD) towards its long-term vision of fostering meaningful collaboration between Arab and European cities. It provides strategic oversight, ensures balanced regional representation, and reinforces continuity, commitment, and engagement among participating cities. Through regular consultation and coordination, the Committee strengthens AECD’s political and institutional foundation while aligning its activities with cities’ evolving priorities and aspirations.

The Committee is composed of four mayors, representing both Arab and European cities. It is permanently co-chaired by the Mayor of Riyadh, in his capacity as President of the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), alongside the Mayor of the host city of the next AECD edition and two other mayors from an Arab and European cities. This structure ensures sustainable city leadership and institutional memory, while promoting shared ownership between the Arab and European regions.

H.H. Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf


Mayor of Riyadh Region Municipality, 
President of the Arab Urban Development 
Institute (AUDI) 
Permanent Co-chair

H.H. Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf


Mayor of Riyadh Region Municipality, 
President of the Arab Urban Development 
Institute (AUDI) 
Permanent Co-chair

H.H. Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf


Mayor of Riyadh Region Municipality, 
President of the Arab Urban Development 
Institute (AUDI) 
Permanent Co-chair

H.H. Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf


Mayor of Riyadh Region Municipality, 
President of the Arab Urban Development 
Institute (AUDI) 
Permanent Co-chair

Roles and Responsibility

Provide

Strategic guidance and oversight 
for AECD activities

Help

Define priorities and themes 
for the AECD Roadmap.

Advise

Design the content of the next 
AECD edition in Mardrid (2007

Strenghten

Political commitment and city 
ownership of AECD outcomes.

Champion

AECD within their networks to 
foster broader participation.

Position

The Secretariat as the key connector 
between host cities to ensure continuity.

Get in touch

For partnership opportunities or general inquiries, please fill out the form below.