Riyadh: A Saudi delegation, led by Advisor at the General Secretariat of the Saudi Arabian Council of Ministers Fahd Al-Rasheed, actively participated in the 7th Urban 20 (U20) Global Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The summit, one of the world’s most influential urban development forums, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s continued leadership in shaping global urbanization strategies.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the U20 gathers cities from G20 member states to address pressing economic, climate, and developmental challenges. Saudi Arabia has played a prominent role in the forum since 2019, with Al-Rasheed previously serving as Chair in 2020 during Saudi Arabia’s G20 presidency.
The Saudi delegation convened a significant panel titled Empowering Cities on Their Own Paths to Development. Moderated by former Mayor of Quito Mauricio Rodas, the discussion featured notable speakers, including Al-Rasheed, Prof. Edward Glaeser of Harvard University, Mayor of Pretoria Dr. Nasiphi Moya, and Mayor of Phoenix Kate Gallego.
Al
-Rasheed highlighted Saudi Arabia’s urbanization strategy and its alignment with global initiatives. “Saudi Arabia has adopted a comprehensive strategic framework for urban development and transformation that empowers city leadership to pursue initiatives driving growth and success,” he said. “Forums like the Urban 20 play a pivotal role in facilitating tools, such as financing models, to support city leaders in achieving their goals.”
Saudi Arabia continues to advocate for innovative financial instruments for cities, including reforms to multilateral development banks to create direct funding mechanisms for urban areas.
The summit also saw the unveiling of the first U20 book, featuring contributions from leading urbanists on shared urban challenges. Al-Rasheed’s chapter, Enlightened City Leadership: A New Model for a Sustainable Urban Future, argues for enhanced training for city leaders to address modern urban complexities effectively. “Delivering urban development requires strategic planning that integra
tes governance, resources, and competitive advantages. Success hinges on enlightened leaders equipped with a deep understanding of technical and socio-economic dynamics,” Al-Rasheed explained.
While disciplines like urban planning and public administration are well-covered, Al-Rasheed emphasized the need for holistic training programs tailored to city leadership. He noted that as global urban centers grow, the demand for skilled administrators will surge. Projections estimate that by 2080, the number of cities with populations exceeding one million will more than double, necessitating the training of two million urban professionals within 35 years. “Urban plans must tackle pervasive issues such as poverty and social inclusion while preparing future leaders to confront the myriad challenges cities will face,” Al-Rasheed added.
The summit concluded with a closed-door session of global city leaders, attended by Brazilian President Luiz In?cio Lula da Silva. In his closing remarks, Al-Rasheed reiterated the Kin
gdom’s commitment to sustainability principles, emphasizing environmental preservation, social mobility, and economic empowerment. “We are proud to share Saudi Arabia’s unique perspective and experience in urban development on this global stage,” he said. “We look forward to continuing our leadership at the Urban 20 and working with global urban leaders to address shared challenges.”
