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The role of local governments in unlocking the transformative power of public spaces in the Arab Cities

Dr. Lubna Shaheen

Moderator

date November 6, 2024 | 13:00 - 14:30
place
Multipurpose room 07
organization
Greater Amman Municipality
country
Jordan
language
Arabic
Reference: 
NE 07-04

Summary

Public spaces are the heart of vibrant communities, serving as spaces for social interaction, cultural exchange, recreation, and civic engagement. Moreover, Public spaces are one of the key levers that can contribute to promoting gender equality, as well as p physical and mental health, better social cohesion, livelihood opportunities and a greener environment in rapidly urbanizing cities and towns.
In the Arab Region, cities are facing several challenges. While some cities are facing socio-economic issues, others have been suffering from civil strife, conflicts, and climate change. In all cases, public spaces play an important role in tackling these issues, and in cities’ social, economic, health and environmental life, since they contribute to build social cohesion, improve the quality of human interactions and the physical and mental health of inhabitants.
Recognizing the transformative power of public spaces, local governments play a crucial role in creating and maintaining inclusive, accessible, and well-designed urban environments that enhance the quality of life for their residents. Local governments have a pivotal role in unleashing the transformative power of public spaces by implementing a range of strategies and initiatives that prioritize the planning, design, maintenance, management, programming, and activation of these spaces.
This networking event will shed the light on pioneering initiatives that was led by local governments in the Arab Region and implemented in partnership with local communities, with the support of local and international organizations. During the event, the representatives from the different countries will share their experiences and demonstrate how their public space initiatives contributed to promote:
• Gender inclusivity and safety
• Climate change mitigation
• Nature based solutions.
• Community gardens, Urban farming
• Urban afforestation
• Disaster risk reduction
• Social inclusion between hosting communities and displaced persons.

Objectives

The main goal of the event is to explore and understand the pivotal roles of local governments in harnessing the transformative power of public spaces within Arab cities.
Through insightful discussions and case studies, the event aims to:
1. Create an opportunity for exploring the different challenges facing local actors in the Arab cities in implementing public space projects, including resource mobilization, maintenance and sustainability.
2. Discuss the role of public spaces in addressing pressing urban issues in Arab cities, including climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and the promotion of sustainable transportation modes.
3. Explore strategies for enhancing collaboration & partnerships between local governments, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and communities to leverage resources and expertise in unlocking the full potential of public spaces.
4. Foster knowledge exchange & peer learning among participants, drawing on successful experiences & lessons learned from Arab cities & other global contexts.
5. Generate actionable recommendations and policy insights to guide local governments in Arab cities in their efforts to create inclusive, safe, & sustainable public spaces that contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of urban communities.
6. Demonstrate simple, affordable and replicable solutions and best practices that could be adopted by other cities.

Session panelists

Panelist
Role
Organization
Country
Mr. Eng. Ahmad Malkawi
City Manager
Greater Amman Municipality
Ms. Dr. Raghida Haddad
Head of al-Hima committee
Kfar Matta municipality
Ms. Eng. Ohood Enaya
Director General of Planning and Policies
Ministry of Local Government
Mr. TBD TBD
TBD
Representative from the Ministry of Municipalities