Saudi Quality Of Life Program Discusses Future Cities At World Urban Forum Panel

The Quality of Life Program, a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, recently organised a panel discussion at the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo. The session, titled "Towards Future Cities: Putting Quality of Life and People's Well-Being at the Core of Urban Planning," focused on integrating quality of life into urban development. Experts gathered to discuss aligning urban growth with sustainable goals.

Participants from various countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, and Thailand, joined representatives from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). This diverse group facilitated knowledge exchange and offered global perspectives on urban development. The event also provided networking opportunities for decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs to form partnerships in urban planning.

Khalid Albaker, Chief Executive Officer of the Quality of Life Program, emphasised the forum's role in highlighting quality of life as a central aspect of urban planning. He noted Saudi Arabia's efforts to improve living standards through collaborative initiatives. Albaker stated that cooperation among government entities, industries, and entrepreneurs is crucial for finding innovative solutions that address community needs and promote sustainable development.

The panel explored various strategies and methodologies aimed at enhancing living conditions in urban areas. A significant focus was placed on cross-sector collaboration to achieve these improvements. By working together across different sectors, stakeholders can better address the challenges faced by urban environments.

The Quality of Life Program is dedicated to sustainable development through its 170 initiatives spanning sports, culture, tourism, entertainment, urban design, and safety sectors. These initiatives aim to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, foster innovation, and humanise cities across Saudi Arabia. The ultimate goal is to enhance quality of life while achieving sustainable development objectives.

"The forum’s role in raising awareness of quality of life as a core element of urban planning showcases Saudi efforts to enhance living standards," said Khalid Albaker during the event. His remarks underscored the importance of integrating quality-of-life considerations into urban planning processes.

This gathering at WUF12 highlighted the significance of placing people's well-being at the forefront of city planning efforts. By prioritising quality of life in urban development strategies, cities can become more liveable and sustainable for their residents.

With inputs from SPA