The first edition of Arab Mayors Academy, focused on fostering resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban development through strong local leadership in Arab countries, was held in Beirut on July 23-24, 2024. The event, organized by the United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia Section (UCLG-MEWA), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) with an aim to advance effective local governance and urban planning strategies.
Organized in response to the need to strengthen local leadership capacity in the Arab region, The Arab Mayors Academy was designed to enable city leaders to translate global sustainability commitments into actionable regional progress with the intent of contributing to international agendas such as the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The Academy sought to make Arab cities not only participants but also a driving force in the global pursuit of sustainable urban development.
In this context, the first edition of the Arab Mayors Academy has emphasized the significance of effective local leadership in achieving global goals for sustainable urban development. The organization successfully met its mission by informing, guiding, and encouraging regional local leaders and stakeholders on sustainable city practices and urban policies. Through engaging learning modules, interactive workshops, and collaborative networks, it has effectively promoted and supported the implementation of sustainable urban strategies.
The academy, which brought together prominent and noteworthy local government leaders, stakeholders, and experts from the Arab region, provided participants with the opportunity to explore new perspectives, strategies, and practices through its interactive environment for addressing global and regional issues. Dr. Mehmet Duman, Secretary General of UCLG-MEWA, in his opening speech, emphasized this vision, stating, “Our region is facing many challenges in areas such as climate change, human mobility, and social and financial instabilities, which necessitate increased efforts from city leaders to address these issues and improve the daily lives of their inhabitants. The Academy is specifically tailored to these challenges and aims to equip city leaders with the tools needed to fulfill their mission effectively.” To advance this vision, UCLG-MEWA International Relations Coordinator Yehia Ibrahim contributed significantly to the discussion as an expert, providing valuable insights and perspectives.
The Academy was designed to provide executive training in critical areas for the Arab region, aimed at developing the theoretical knowledge and technical skills necessary for leading resilient and effective urban management. Participants engaged in peer learning and became part of a network of local leaders. Over 130 city leaders from the Arab region contributed to the curriculum, enhancing the understanding of the fundamental needs, challenges, and opportunities faced by urban leaders. The program is structured into Self-Paced, Online, and Face-to-Face components, seamlessly integrating key modules. Each module is tailored to optimize the strengths of its respective format, while more participatory and interactive activities are incorporated into the online and face-to-face sessions. The curriculum was primarily delivered in Arabic, although selected course materials were also provided in English.
This unique program, which began with an opening event at the UN House in Beirut, Lebanon, on July 23, 2024, will conclude with an event and graduation ceremony during the first week of November 2024 at the World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt.
The Arab Mayors Academy warmly welcomes all stakeholders dedicated to local governance in achieving sustainable development goals for cities. Your involvement would significantly enrich the organization and contribute to its overarching success.