Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Arab European Cities Dialogue (AECD) ?
AECD is a bi-annual, high-level, and inter-regional platform that connects Arab and European cities to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and co-develop solutions to shared urban challenges through mayoral dialogue, technical cooperation, and city diplomacy.
2. Why was AECD created ?
AECD was created to move beyond one-off events and establish a long-term, structured dialogue between cities in both regions – shaping urban cooperation agendas for the nextdecade through peer learning and strategic partnerships.
3. Who is AECD for ?
AECD is designed for:
- Mayors and city leaders.
- Municipal technical teams.
- International and regional organizations.
- Local governments associations.
- Development banks and funding institutions.
- Technology providers working with cities.
4. What makes AECD different from other city forums ?
AECD is:
- City-led, not project-driven.
- Dialogue-oriented, not conference-centric.
- Action-focused, linking policy exchange to implementation opportunities.
- Rotational, hosted by a diff erent city each edition to reflect local leadership and ownership.
5. How is knowledge shared and sustained beyond the event ?
AECD Secretariate ensures continuity through:
- Structured knowledge-transfer sessions between host cities.
- Documentation and insights reports.
- City practice exchanges and thematic group meetings.
- Follow-up activities and collaborative initiatives.
6. How can international organizations and development partners engage ?
Organizations can engage by:
- Supporting thematic tracks.
- Contributing expertise and data.
- Connecting cities to funding and technical assistance.
- Co-developing pilots and scalable urban solutions.
7. What value does AECD offer to private sector and sponsors ?
AECD offers sponsors:
- Direct engagement with decision-makers and city leaders.
- Brand visibility within a trusted inter-regional platform.
- Positioning as a partner in urban transformation.
- Access to emerging municipal priorities and markets.
8. How can a city or entity participate in AECD ?
Participation is by:
- Official invitation and nomination
- Strategic partnerships
- Sponsorship and collaboration agreements