The Quality of Life Program, part of the Saudi Vision 2030 Realization Programs, recently participated in the Global Quality of Life Conference organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat). This two-day conference took place in Cairo as part of the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), bringing together experts and specialists in urban development and quality of life from around the world. During the conference, Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Baker, CEO of the Quality of Life Program, had a productive meeting with Enkelejda Rospach, Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, to discuss strengthening international cooperation in big data analysis and implementation and incorporating quality of life standards and sustainable development within the UN global agenda.
The conference provided a platform for the Quality of Life Program to showcase its role in achieving Saudi Vision 2030. The CEO presented a comprehensive report on the urban transformations currently unfolding in Saudi Arabia, highlighting initiatives aimed at enhancing Saudi cities and improving quality of life through urban landscape improvements and expanded resident services. The program operates within an integrated system, collaborating with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, municipalities, and other relevant authorities to place people at the center of urban development projects. The commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and digital transformation in urban design aligns with global best practices in this field.
By participating in this global conference, the Quality of Life Program demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to exchanging experiences with the international community and leveraging global best practices in sustainable urban development, all contributing to Vision 2030. The ambitious strategy aims to improve residents’ quality of life in Saudi cities through infrastructure development, service enhancement, and creating a sustainable urban environment that meets the expectations of citizens and residents. The conference emphasized the importance of investing in modern technologies and big data to develop measurement indicators that enhance the effectiveness of policy development and initiatives.
International forums like the Global Quality of Life Conference and WUF12 are invaluable for sharing challenges, opportunities, and best practices in urban development. These events provide a platform for exchanging successful experiences in improving quality of life in cities and local communities, acting as global platforms for learning, debate, and action toward a sustainable and equitable future. By reviewing key challenges and opportunities in sustainable urban development, participants can explore ways to enhance international cooperation in city development and overall quality of life.
The importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to urban planning that considers social, economic, and environmental dimensions and encourages the participation of all community segments in the development process was highlighted during the conference. These events underscore the importance of sustained international cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals and enhance quality of life in cities and local communities. Despite local differences in values and priorities, the quest for quality of life is universal, and it is an ongoing journey best taken together as we face many challenges ahead in urban development and sustainability.
