About Session

Urban Financing Forum

SESSION TITLE

Urban Financing Forum: Insights from Financial Institutions

DATE

13 May 2025

TIME

11:10 – 12:30

VENUE
SUMMARY OF THE SESSION

The Urban Financing Forum connects Arab and European city representatives with funding institutions to explore practical avenues for financing urban development. Through a structured “pitch and match” format, cities will present their development proposals and receive feedback from international financial institutions, development banks, and donors. The session aims to bridge the gap between local project needs and accessible capital while promoting innovative and sustainable financing models.

Sessions:

  • Insights from Funding Institutions
  • Technical Introductions
  • City-led Project Pitches

 

Agenda:

  • Introduction: Overview of the forum’s structure, highlighting the two pillars: “A Solution Track” and “An Action Track”.
  • Inspiring Financing Practices: Brief introductions of funding institutions sharing brief perspectives, strategies, and instruments for municipal
    and urban financing.
  • City Project Presentations: 8 Shortlisted cities present their proposals (10 mins presentation + 5 mins feedback each).
  • Closing Remarks & Next Steps: Key takeaways and upcoming follow-up actions.
KEY OBJECTIVES
  • Foster Dialogue: Connect Arab & European city representatives with funding agencies for collaboration.
  • Enable Peer Learning: Share best practices on municipal financing mechanisms and innovative urban solutions.
  • Bridge Funding Gaps: Link city-led projects to suitable financing channels, including donors and investment mechanisms.
Panelist
Moderator
  • Kyle Farrell Senior Urban & Regional Economist at UN-Habitat KSA
  • Karen Maguire Head of Local Employment and Economic Development (LEED) Programme Division at OECD
Speaker
  • Jordi Vaquer Secretary General of Metropolis
  • UN Road Safety Fund Ms. Nneka Henry – Head of UN Road Safety Fund and Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety
  • Saudi Fund for Development Eng. Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Obaid, Director-General of MENA Operations
  • African Development Bank (AfDB) Stefan Atchia, Manager Urban Development
  • African Development Bank (AfDB) Neji Larbi, Urban Mobility Specialist
  • Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Wola Asase, Deputy Director, Head of Syndication
  • Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Nasiru Kwezi Braimah, Associate Vice President, Capital Mobilization & Partnerships
Selected Cities
  1. Chisinau
  2. Djibouti
  3. Ramallah
  4. Nice
  5. Madrid
  6. Dammam
  7. Erbil
  8. Nouakchott
PANELISTS
  • Participants: City representatives and funding agencies
  • Facilitated by: AECD & Metropolis
TRANSLATION AVAILABILITY

English, Arabic 

PARTICIPATION

 Open to All Attendees