Two-day regional programme brings together 12 governors, mayors and city leaders from eight Arab countries to advance urban transformation and resilience

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), hosted by the Greater Amman Municipality, launched the third edition of the Arab Mayors Academy in Amman on Tuesday.

The two-day regional initiative is being held under the theme, “Driving Local Transformation: From SDG Localization to Cities with a Better Quality of Life and Greater Resilience,” bringing together 12 governors, mayors and city leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, the State of Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Syria.

The Academy is designed to equip city leaders with knowledge, skills and practical tools to address urban challenges, translate local priorities into action and strengthen the role of cities in sustainable development.

The third edition marks a new stage in the Academy’s development, as it is being launched for the first time from an Arab city outside ESCWA’s headquarters, strengthening its connection to local realities and experiences.

The programme focuses on localizing the Sustainable Development Goals, improving quality of life and strengthening urban resilience. It also features a field visit to leading urban projects in Amman, giving participants an opportunity to examine practical experiences and exchange knowledge.

This year’s curriculum was developed following a survey of more than 80 city leaders from across the Arab region, with the aim of ensuring that the programme responds directly to the needs of local authorities and the challenges they face.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Greater Amman Municipality Committee Ahmad Al-Malkawe said hosting the third edition reflected the Municipality’s commitment to supporting local leadership and strengthening the role of Arab cities in driving urban transformation and building a more sustainable and inclusive future.

“The future of cities begins with local leaders who have the vision and ability to turn challenges into solutions, plans into results, and partnerships into tangible impact on people’s lives,” Al-Malkawe said.

He added that the Arab Mayors Academy serves as an important platform for developing a generation of leaders capable of driving urban transformation and shaping the future of their cities.

Nagwa Lachine, SDG Localization and NUA Advancement Programme Officer at UN-Habitat, described the Academy as an investment in local leadership as a key driver of urban transformation.

“In this edition, we are placing greater emphasis on supporting city leaders in moving from identifying priorities and developing plans to practical implementation, while connecting local action with the opportunities, partnerships and resources needed to deliver tangible results in their cities,” she said.

The Academy’s curriculum covers a range of priority issues for city leaders, including urban development finance, results-based management, partnerships and resource mobilization, smart cities and digital transformation, housing and basic services, resilience, sustainable urban planning and quality of life.

Sukaina Al-Nasrawi, Lead of the Sustainable Urban Development Portfolio at ESCWA, said the Academy reflected ESCWA’s commitment to strengthening the role of local authorities as key partners in shaping pathways for urban transformation rather than merely implementing policies.

“Through this regional platform, we bring together Arab cities and expertise, connect global priorities with local realities, and create an environment where leaders can exchange knowledge and develop solutions rooted in the needs of our cities and the aspirations of their residents,” she said.