AECD
Riyadh 2025
Overview
The Arab European Cities Dialogue First edition 2025 (AECD 2025),
held from 11–13 May in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked the launch of a decade-long initiative to strengthen partnerships between Arab and European cities.Hosted by the Riyadh Region Municipality under the patronage of H.H. Prince Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh and President of the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI).
Organized under the theme “Bridging Cities, Building Futures” AECD 2025 brought together over 120 city leaders, municipal associations, international organizations, and financial institutions. It provided a strategic platform for interregional cooperation focused on four core themes: city-to-city cooperation and learning, livable cities and climate action, technology and digital transformation in urban governance, and municipal financial sustainability. Through high-level plenaries, local action workshops, a Cities Leadership Forum, and an Urban Financing Forum, AECD25 facilitated knowledge exchange across a dynamic three-day program.
AECD
Riyadh 2025
Overview
The Arab European Cities Dialogue First edition 2025 (AECD 2025), held from 11–13 May in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked the launch of a decade-long initiative to strengthen partnerships between Arab and European cities. Hosted by the Riyadh Region Municipality under the patronage of H.H. Prince Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh and President of the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI).
Organized under the theme “Bridging Cities, Building Futures” AECD 2025 brought together over 120 city leaders, municipal associations, international organizations, and financial institutions. It provided a strategic platform for interregional cooperation focused on four core themes: city-to-city cooperation and learning, livable cities and climate action, technology and digital transformation in urban governance, and municipal financial sustainability. Through high-level plenaries, local action workshops, a Cities Leadership Forum, and an Urban Financing Forum, AECD25 facilitated knowledge exchange across a dynamic three-day program. read less …
The Arab European Cities Dialogue First edition 2025 (AECD 2025),
held from 11–13 May in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked the launch of a decade-long initiative to strengthen partnerships between Arab and European cities.Hosted by the Riyadh Region Municipality under the patronage of H.H. Prince Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh and President of the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI).
Organized under the theme “Bridging Cities, Building Futures” AECD 2025 brought together over 120 city leaders, municipal associations, international organizations, and financial institutions. It provided a strategic platform for interregional cooperation focused on four core themes: city-to-city cooperation and learning, livable cities and climate action, technology and digital transformation in urban governance, and municipal financial sustainability. Through high-level plenaries, local action workshops, a Cities Leadership Forum, and an Urban Financing Forum, AECD25 facilitated knowledge exchange across a dynamic three-day program.
Organizer
Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI)
A Pan-Arab, non-governmental organization, specialized in research and capacity development in the fields of urban development and municipal affairs.
Strategic Partners
Platforma
A pan-European coalition of cities and regions, along with their national, European, and global associations, dedicated to city-to-city and region-to-region development cooperation. PLATFORMA is hosted by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR).
The Agency of International Cooperation of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNGI-CILG)
A pan-European coalition of cities and regions, along with their national, European, and global associations, dedicated to city-to-city and region-to-region development cooperation. PLATFORMA is hosted by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR).
Hosting City
Riyadh Region Municipality
The Riyadh Municipality (Amanat Al-Riyadh) was established in 1937 (1356 AH) as a small municipal entity and later evolved into the “Riyadh Municipality” in 1955 (1375 AH). It is responsible for urban development, sustainable growth, and providing municipal services to residents and businesses across the city.
Welcome Address by the Mayor
Arab and European cities share deep-rooted historical ties dating back centuries. These connections have significantly shaped their civilizations, economies, and urban landscapes. Today, these relationships provide a foundation for advancing urban communities and fostering economic and cultural exchange. As a result, cities on both sides have emerged as thriving and resilient global economic hubs, inspiring residents and visitors alike to contribute ideas and initiatives that drive human progress.
The Arab European Cities Dialogue (AECD 2025) was conceived to strengthen the bonds between city leaders, communities, and institutions through constructive dialogue – a dialogue that embraces diverse values and cultures while facilitating the exchange of insights on pressing urban, economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Over the years, cities in both regions have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to urban planning, implementing transformative projects and pioneering initiatives that serve as benchmarks in municipal development. This event provides a premier platform for fostering and sustaining city partnerships, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes meaningful cooperation at national, regional, and global levels while promoting the exchange of best practices in local urban development.
The AECD is not merely a one-time gathering of mayors, municipal leaders, and international organizations in Riyadh. Rather, it marks the launch of a sustainable initiative that will be held biennially, alternating between Arab and European cities. This approach ensures continuous follow-up on partnerships, urban initiatives, and municipal development practices. Furthermore, the AECD enables cities to explore common interests and opportunities for collaboration through dynamic discussions and interactions between city officials, organizations, and development funds – both bilaterally and collectively – maximizing its impact and outcomes.
Recognizing the crucial role of non-governmental urban organizations in empowering cities and fostering partnerships, I assure – in my capacity as President of AUDI – that these organizations will play an equally vital role alongside municipalities in shaping the AECD’s outcomes. Their active involvement in organizing thematic sessions and workshops on various aspects of urban development will significantly enrich the dialogue.
In conclusion, we extend a warm welcome to all Arab and European cities, their leaders, representatives of international urban organizations, and development funds to Riyadh – the capital of urban transformation.
We sincerely appreciate your participation in this Dialogue, which serves as a roadmap toward a better urban future – one built on effective partnerships and the celebration of cultural diversity in vibrant and dynamic communities.
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
Objectives
Together, these four objectives outline a shared vision to foster long-term city cooperation, build municipal capacity,
unlock sustainable financing, and highlight impactful urban innovation.
Strengthen cities’ capacity to address pressing urban challenges through knowledge exchange and dialogue
Enhance cities’ access to sustainable financing via targeted matchmaking with funding institutions
Showcase transformative urban projects in Riyadh, reinforcing the capital’s role as a hub for global collaboration
Core Themes
Reflecting the shared priorities and concerns of Arab and European cities, AECD is structured around the following thematic pillars:
City-to-City Cooperation
Liveable Cities and Climate Action
Technology and Digital Transformation
Municipal Financial Sustainability
Key Numbers
Quantitative highlights summarizing the conference’s outcomes and achievements
List of Participants
AECD 2025 brought together 80 cities from Asia, Europe and Africa along with more than 50 international development agencies.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATIONS:
- Association Marocaine des Présidents des Conseils Communaux (AMPCC) Morocco
- Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) Palestine
- Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) Sweden
- Associação Nacional Municípios Portugueses (ANMP) Portugal
- Local Councils’ Association Malta, Malta
- Federación Española de Municipios y Provincias (FEMP), Spain
- Cités Unies France, France
- The Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE), Greece
Key Highlights
AECD 2025 featured various activities that brought together city leaders, CEOs, experts, and international partners to address shared urban priorities across Arab and European cities. Key highlights included:
- In Conversation
- Perspectives on Riyadh’s Urban Leap (CEOs Talk)
- Beyond Borders
- Transforming Cities Through Global Cooperation
- Towards Resilience
- Climate Adaptation & Mitigation in Arab and European Cities
- Digital Transformation in Urban Governance
- Insights from European and Arab Cities
- Local Economic Development & Investment
- Strategies for Sustainable Urban Growth
A focused discussion on enabling local economies, attracting investment, and aligning urban development with long-term economic sustainability.
Panel Speakers:
H.E. Major General Moheb Habashi Khalil, Governor of Port Said
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Al Humaidi, Mayor of Muscat
Mr. Charalambos Prountzos, Mayor of Nicosia
Ms. Anouch Toranian, Councilor of Paris, Metropolitan Councilor and Deputy Mayor of Paris
Moderator:
Ms. Maria Vassilakou, Former Vice Mayor and Vice Governor of Vienna
A comparative exchange on how cities are leveraging digital tools, data, and smart systems to improve governance, service delivery, and citizen engagement.
Panel Speakers:
H.E. Mr. Mohammed Saad Al-Sahli, Director General of Manama Municipality
Mr. Issa Kassis, Mayor of Ramallah
Mr. Stefano Lo Russo, Mayor of Turin
Mr. Predrag Puharić, Mayor of Sarajevo
Moderator:
Mr. Patrick Penninckx, Former Head of Information Society Department, DGI, Council of Europe
A forward-looking session examining practical city-led solutions to climate risks, adaptation strategies, and pathways toward net-zero and resilient urban systems.
Panel Speakers:
H.E. Eng. Ammar Musa Kazem, Mayor of Baghdad
Mr. Mounir Limouri, Mayor of Tangier
Mr. Andreas Wolter, Mayor of Cologne
Ms. Minna Arve, Mayor of Turku
Moderator:
Dr. Jordi Vaquer, Secretary General of Metropolis
A strategic dialogue on how cross-regional collaboration can accelerate urban innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth.
Panel Speakers:
H.E. Dr. Yousef Shawarbeh, Mayor of Amman.
H.E. Fathia El Moudni, Mayor of Rabat and President of Metropolis.
Mr. José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid.
Ms. Emilia Saiz, Secretary General, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG).
Moderator:
Dr. Lorenzo Kihlgren Grandi, Director, City Diplomacy Lab, Columbia Global Centers.
An exclusive conversation with CEOs and industry leaders exploring Riyadh’s transformation journey, lessons learned, and opportunities for public–private collaboration.
Panel Speakers:
Mr. Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer of Diriyah Company.
Ms. Jayne McGivern, Chief Executive Officer of the Sports Boulevard Foundation.
Mr. George Tanasijevich, Chief Executive Officer of the King Salman Park Foundation.
Moderator:
Ms. Nedaa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of SRMG Think.
- City-to-City Networking
- Shared Narratives, Shared Futures
A high-energy networking experience brought together 65 city delegations under the theme “One City, One Image, One Story.”
Designed as a fast-paced and interactive format, the session enabled cities to present their unique urban narratives, exchange experiences, and identify opportunities for collaboration – laying the groundwork for future city-to-city partnerships and scalable urban solutions.
- City Leaders Defining the Next Phase of AECD
- Collaboration and Mutual Learning for Localized Solutions
- An Agile, Biannual Format for Continuous Engagement
- Establishment of an AECD Secretariat Under AUDI
The Cities Leadership Forum convened 80 mayors and senior city officials from across the Arab and European regions in a closed, strategic roundtable. The forum marked a pivotal moment for AECD – shifting it from a successful inaugural event into a long-term, city-led cooperation platform. Discussions focused on governance models, shared priorities, and mechanisms to ensure AECD’s sustainability, flexibility, and city ownership as a lasting framework for Arab–European collaboration.
City leaders emphasized collaboration and mutual learning as key to tackling shared urban challenges. While valuing regional diversity, they called for approaches that respect local contexts and cultural differences, promoting adaptable, locally driven urban solutions shaped by city-to-city exchange.
Leaders endorsed an agile, biannual structure for the AECD, ensuring regular follow-up and adaptability. This recurring format enables continuous cooperation, thematic evolution, and strengthened partnerships across participating cities.
To ensure continuity and coordination, leaders agreed to establish a dedicated AECD Secretariat under AUDI. The Secretariat will guide planning, management, and communication, solidifying AECD’s role as a sustained platform for Arab–European city collaboration.
- Financing Cities
- Connecting Urban Projects with Global Capital
- Insights from Funding Institutions
- City-Led Project Pitches
In partnership with Metropolis, this dedicated forum brought together cities, development finance institutions, and public and private investors to explore concrete pathways for financing urban and municipal projects. Discussions highlighted innovative financing instruments, investment readiness, and opportunities to bridge city needs with global capital and development partners.
Speakers:
- Dr. Jordi Vaquer, Secretary General of Metropolis
- Eng. Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Obaid, Director General of MENA Operations, Saudi Fund for Development (SFD)
- Ms. Nneka Henry, Head, UN Road Safety Fund Secretariat and Office of the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety
- Mr. Stefan Atchia, Manager, Urban Development, African Development Bank (AfDB)
- Eng. Neji Larbi, Urban Mobility Specialist, African Development Bank (AfDB)
- Mr. Wola Asase, Deputy Director, Head of Syndications, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)
- Mr. Nasiru Braimah, Associate Vice President of Capital Mobilization and Partnerships, Africa Finance Corporation, African Finance Corporation (AFC)
Moderators:
- Dr. Kyle Farrell, Senior Urban & Regional Economist, UN-Habitat KSA
- Ms. Karen Maguire, Head of Local Employment and Economic Development Program, OECD
Financial institutions prioritize urban projects that are well-prepared, scalable, and strategically aligned. Cities should start with a solid needs assessment rooted in citizen priorities and service gaps. Integrating safety, inclusion, and sustainability from the outset strengthens funding prospects and long-term impact.
Public–private partnerships succeed where governance is strong, legal frameworks are clear, and fiscal discipline is maintained. Technical assistance for feasibility and design is widely accessible—cities simply need to seek it. Ultimately, project preparation should be treated as a strategic investment, not an administrative step, as it determines a project’s credibility and bankability.
The second session of the Urban Financing Forum featured live investment pitches by city leaders presenting urban infrastructure, resilience, and mobility initiatives. Eight cities—Nice, Djibouti, Ramallah, Chișinău, Madrid, Dammam, Erbil, and Nouakchott—showcased projects ranging from large-scale regeneration to community-based climate adaptation. Institutional representatives from the UN Road Safety Fund, Saudi Fund for Development, African Finance Corporation, and African Development Bank offered insights and tailored recommendations following each presentation.
- AUDI Expands Its Global Urban Partnerships
Under the patronage of H.H. Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh and President of the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), two strategic Memoranda of Understanding were signed:
- AUDI × Metropolis, the global network of major cities and metropolitan areas
- AUDI × Fira de Barcelona, organizer of the Smart City Expo World Congress
These agreements reinforce AUDI’s global partnerships and commitment to advancing urban governance, innovation, and city-to-city knowledge exchange through collaboration with leading international institutions.
- Launching “Bridging Cities” Report
- Tackling Shared Urban Challenges Together
The AECD 2025 also saw the launch of the joint BCG–AUDI report, “Bridging Cities: Exploring Solutions for Shared Challenges”. The discussion highlighted how digital transformation, climate risks, and fiscal pressures are converging—and explored how Arab and European cities can address these challenges together.
- Madrid to Host the AECD 2027
- Three Days of Dialogue, Partnerships, and Shared Urban Ambition
The Mayor of Madrid, Mr. José Luis Martínez-Almeida, concluded the Forum by announcing the city as the host of the 2027 Arab European Cities Dialogue. In his closing remarks, he expressed enthusiasm and a strong commitment to advancing the Dialogue’s vision, reaffirming Madrid’s dedication to fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable urban development across regions.
The AECD 2025 closing session concluded three days of dialogue, partnership, and shared ambition. Dr. Anas Almughairy, AUDI Director General, reflected on the forum’s impact, highlighting the launch of AECD’s flagship report on city-to-city cooperation and the 110+ bilateral meetings that reinforced its role in municipal diplomacy. The new governance framework was recognized as a key step toward long-term Arab–European city collaboration.
Download the conference report for a comprehensive summary of sessions, insights, and key outcomes.
Event Summary Video
Watch the event summary video to relive key moments, insightful sessions, and highlights from the conference.
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