منتدى الحوار بين المدن العربية والأوروبية يستأنف فعالياته لليوم الثاني

The Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum, currently taking place in Riyadh, has engaged in discussions featuring a session titled “Towards Urban Resilience: Adapting to Climate Change and Mitigating Its Impacts.” This session brought together key stakeholders, including Baghdad’s Secretary, Engineer Ammar Moussa Kazem; the Mayor of Tangier, Munir Lemouri; the Mayor of Cologne, Andreas Wolter; and the Mayor of Turku, Mina Arviki. The session was facilitated by Dr. Jordi Vaquer, Secretary-General of the “Metropolis” organization.

During the session, participants underscored the critical need for enhanced partnerships to address the pressing climate challenges that overlap the concerns of both Arab and European cities. Key themes highlighted included water scarcity, rising temperatures, flooding threats, and carbon emissions. The speakers concurred that climate change represents an escalating challenge, compelling cities to adopt flexible and sustainable strategies. They emphasized that the exchange of experiences and the strengthening of cooperation between cities are fundamental pillars in confronting emerging environmental challenges.

Engineer Ammar Moussa Kazem elaborated on the significant challenges facing Baghdad, citing increasing pressure on waste management, sewage treatment, and the reduction of green spaces. These issues have exacerbated phenomena such as dust storms and elevated water waste. He outlined Baghdad’s proactive solutions, including the implementation of environmentally friendly projects that allow for the processing of 3,000 tons of waste and the recycling of water for agricultural purposes.

Mayor Lemouri of Tangier shared insights into the Moroccan city’s initiatives aimed at combating both drought and flooding. A leading project for reusing wastewater has successfully covered 95% of the green spaces in Tangier. Additional developments include modern drainage systems for rainwater and updates to urban planning maps, which take into account both climatic changes and population density.

In Cologne, Mayor Andreas Wolter discussed how his city has established a comprehensive climate adaptation system in partnership with the non-profit sector. This initiative includes projects designed to mitigate flooding impacts and promote alternative energy sources, while also engaging citizens in environmental challenges.

From Turku, Mayor Mina Arviki highlighted the city’s adoption of renewable energy strategies in collaboration with international organizations. This effort aims to enhance sustainability and mitigate the long-term effects of climate change, particularly focusing on cross-border pollution.

At the conclusion of the session, participants unanimously agreed that urban resilience is no longer an option but an imperative. They recognized that collaborative efforts among cities facilitate the implementation of solutions that transcend borders, ultimately contributing to sustainable quality of life. This progress can be achieved through investments in environmental knowledge and innovative, integrated planning.

The Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum continues its work through a series of sessions uniting prominent leaders, secretaries, and mayors from various regions of the Arab world and Europe. These discussions are centered around urban governance, sustainability, digital transformation, and climate challenges. The forum aims to foster cross-border cooperation while working towards building more inclusive and resilient future cities.

Through these initiatives, the participants are addressing the immediate and long-term challenges posed by climate change, emphasizing the importance of innovative strategies, shared experiences, and international collaboration to create a sustainable urban future.