Riyadh: The first dialogue session of the Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum (AECD 2025), titled "Beyond Borders: Transforming Cities through Global Cooperation," explored opportunities for collaboration between Arab and European cities in areas such as cultural exchange, climate action, sustainable development, economic growth, and city diplomacy.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the forum is organized by the Riyadh Region Municipality under the theme "City Partnerships for a Better Future," and will run through May 13. It brings together secretaries, mayors, and municipal leaders from various cities.

Participants emphasized that intercity cooperation is no longer optional but a strategic necessity for addressing mounting global challenges, particularly those arising from climate change and urbanization. They also highlighted that constructive dialogue is essential to achieving sustainable urban development.

Speakers called for transforming city relationships into institutional partnerships that strengthen municipal capacities, enhance resilience, and promote knowledge exchange. They also commended the Kingdom's role in hosting the forum, describing it as a step toward regional leadership in urban planning and cooperation.

By convening this forum, speakers noted Saudi Arabia is helping to shape a new regional framework for urban dialogue and collaborative planning aimed at securing a more sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.