"Sustainable Cities with an Arab Identity" forum kicks off in Cairo

CAIRO, Nov 29 (KUNA) -- The activities of the "Sustainable Cities with an Arab Identity" forum kicked off Saturday, organized by the Federation of Arab Engineers (FAE).
It is held in cooperation with the Arab Committee of Consulting Engineering Offices and Institutions and the Arab Architects Committee, under the patronage of the Arab League.
Secretary-General of the FAE Dr. Adel Al-Hadithi said in his opening speech that the main challenge is "how to build modern cities that meet today's requirements, energy efficiency, smart resource management, sustainable transport, and high quality of life, while preserving the spirit and Arab identity." He stressed that sustainability in the Arab world goes beyond green buildings and renewable energy, highlighting the value of sharing successful urban models from across the region.
The conference presents advanced engineering solutions, including smart construction, modern waste-management systems, electric and shared mobility, AI applications in city management, and sustainable materials. Al-Hadithi called for strategic partnerships among engineers, architects, researchers, policymakers, the private sector, and civil society, emphasizing that sustainable development requires coordinated efforts, supportive policies, proper financing, and strong technical capacity.
He urged the development of a shared Arab framework for future cities, adaptable to each country yet aligned with a common vision, as well as updated educational programs to prepare the next generation of engineers and planners.
Dr. Adel Al-Mishri, Chairman of the Arab Consulting Engineering Offices and institutions, welcomed participants, noting that Arab civilization has long viewed cities as systems of values and balanced development. He said the challenges of the 21st century, climate change, resource pressure, population growth, require rethinking the sustainable city to balance heritage and modernity and to establish a lasting Arab identity. He described the Arab-identity sustainable city as "a civilizational project inspired by our history to build a modern and sustainable future." Waleed Al-Arabi, Head of Housing and Urban Development at the Arab League, said Arab cities need new visions and innovative tools that support growth while preserving authenticity. He noted the Arab League's recent focus on sustainable development through joint strategies in housing, urban development, environment, and energy, as well as capacity-building and knowledge-exchange initiatives. He affirmed the League's readiness to translate the forum's recommendations into practical programs.
The forum gathers experts, researchers, ministries, municipalities, universities, engineering offices, and environmental bodies from across the Arab world, serving as a regional platform for exchanging expertise and shaping future urban visions with a sustainable Arab identity.
A Kuwaiti delegation is also participating in the forum, consisting of specialized researchers, Eng. Aqeel Murad, a waste-management, recycling, and sustainability specialist at Kuwait Municipality, Eng. Nasser Al-Mutairi, head of the technical committee at the Union of Kuwaiti Engineering Offices and Consulting Firms, Eng. Hanan Al-Mohammad from the Kuwait Society of Engineers, Eng. Fatima Ashkanani, head of the "Enviro" team, and team member Abdullah Abdulwahad. (end) asm.onm