Urban Changemakers Convene At Expo City Dubai For Sustainable Cities Forum 2024

Urban changemakers from across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia convened at the Sustainable Cities in Action Forum 2024, which commenced on Tuesday at Expo City Dubai. This two-day event, running from 5-6 March, serves as a platform for city leaders, architects, designers, urban planners, NGOs, financial institutions, SME networks, and international trade delegations to discuss innovations and strategies for fostering positive urban development. The forum's agenda is shaped by the outcomes of COP28 and aims to promote prosperous, equitable, low carbon, and climate-resilient cities.

Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, inaugurated the forum. The event featured discussions on the role of cities in climate action with Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28. A highlight of the forum is the introduction of Expo City's Urban Lab, a new collaborative initiative designed to test sustainable urban living solutions in a real-world setting.

The forum boasts an impressive lineup of speakers including Mohamed Sefiani, Mayor of Chefchaouen; Dr. Folayinka Dania, Chief Resilience Officer for Lagos State; Bushra Afreen, Asia's first Chief Heat Officer from Dhaka North; and James Delaney, Founder of BlockWorks. These experts will share insights on building resilient and sustainable cities. Additionally, practical workshops led by strategic partners will cover topics such as climate action plans, ESG-compliant supply chains, sustainable procurement, and community decarbonisation.

Launch of the UAE Sustainable Built Environment Blueprint

A key moment at the forum will be the launch of the UAE Sustainable Built Environment Blueprint Report. This document, introduced at COP28 and developed in collaboration with the UAE’s leading developers and the Emirates Green Building Council, outlines challenges and opportunities for sustainability in the built environment.

Expo City Dubai's Sustainability Initiatives

Participants will also explore Expo City Dubai's sustainability efforts through 'Live the City' tours showcasing flagship initiatives. The event will feature exhibitions by Abu Dhabi-based Desert Board, a company known for its eco-friendly wooden boards made from upcycled palm fronds. Additionally, the UAE’s SME community will present solutions for sustainable city living.

The Sustainable Cities in Action Forum 2024 exemplifies a collective effort towards achieving more sustainable urban environments through innovation, collaboration, and shared knowledge. It underscores the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change and fostering urban resilience.

With inputs from WAM