Salalah: The Mayor of Baghdad, Ammar Musa Kadhim, emphasized the critical importance of aligning development projects and services with the needs and aspirations of citizens while speaking from the Sultanate of Oman. This statement was made during his participation in the 20th General Conference of the Arab Towns Organization hosted in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate. The conference focused on fostering innovative and sustainable urban environments across Arab cities.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Baghdad Municipality issued a press release highlighting the Mayor’s active involvement in the conference, which gathered a broad array of representatives from Arab cities and capitals, including mayors and heads of municipalities. Discussions centered on the future of urban development in Arab regions, emphasizing cooperation and the exchange of expertise in urban planning, sustainability, innovation, digital transformation, and quality of life.
The press release detailed the Mayor’s participation in a dialogue session themed ‘Modern Innovation Cities,’ where he presented a paper underscoring the significance of urban planning and community involvement in achieving sustainability. The Mayor’s paper stressed the importance of linking urban planning with the needs and aspirations of the residents, thereby fostering the development of sustainable cities able to tackle future challenges.
The Secretariat’s statement revealed that the session featured discussions with key figures, including a representative from the Tunis Secretariat, Dhofar Mayor Ahmed bin Mohsen Al-Ghasani, and Doha Municipality Director Jamal Al-Nuaimi. The session was marked by extensive dialogue on the innovative and sustainable development experiences of Arab cities.
During the session, Mayor Kadhim showcased Baghdad’s urban development experiences, highlighting the city’s strategic location and its historical and cultural influence within the Arab urban framework. He emphasized leveraging this heritage to build a sustainable and innovative urban future.
The Mayor also pointed out the crucial role of community participation in decision-making as a foundation for modern urban planning. He advocated for strengthening the relationship between local institutions and communities to ensure development projects and services closely align with citizens’ needs and aspirations.
Participants in the session recognized Baghdad’s contributions to urban growth and development, noting its rich cultural heritage and pivotal role in the history of Arab cities. They stressed the importance of enhancing Baghdad’s role in the Arab cooperation process and the exchange of expertise in planning, sustainability, and innovation.
The Secretariat concluded by stating that the participation of the Mayor of Baghdad and his delegation at the conference reflects the Baghdad Municipality’s commitment to bolstering the Iraqi capital’s presence in specialized Arab forums. This engagement aims to facilitate the exchange of experiences and expertise while integrating modern urban practices, supporting efforts to develop Baghdad, and enhancing its services, infrastructure, and environment in pursuit of a sustainable future.