Abu Dhabi selected to host World Urban Forum 2020

Abu Dhabi / WAM

The Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM), is among several government entities that have initiated preparations for the World Urban Forum 2020 (WUF10), in Abu Dhabi – the first WUF to be held in the Arab region.
The emirate has been selected by UN-Habitat to host the prestigious event, which brings together global leaders to discuss pressing issues on sustainable urban development across the world.
Following the formal handover to Abu Dhabi, Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman of DPM, expressed his gratitude to President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and HH Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, who have been instrumental in supporting the government’s work in Abu Dhabi, that has led to the continued success of strengthening international ties and increasing the pace of development to serve the needs of its residents.
The WUF10 will coincide with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, celebrating the nation’s 50th anniversary of being founded. It follows the success of last edition of the forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where more than 27,000 people from 156 countries, including policymakers, government leaders and expert practitioners, were in attendance.
A government delegation, including the DPM, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre, ADNEC, and Department of Culture and Tourism, DCT, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MoFAIC, attended the forum.
The DPM also had its own stand at the WUF9 Exhibition, highlighting innovative solutions to urban issues and its progress on major plans based on the latest urban trends.
At this year’s forum, Al Ahbabi received the formal handover during the closing ceremony and delivered a powerful speech on the importance of collaborative commitment by the international community to achieve sustainable development goals set out in the New Urban Agenda.

He said WUF10 in Abu Dhabi will ‘exceed all expectations’ and that he was looking forward to welcoming world leaders and experts to the capital city of the UAE, so they can experience its renowned Emirati hospitality.
“Choosing Abu Dhabi to host WUF10 is a direct result of the progress made in sustainable urban development over the last five decades. The 10th session of WUF will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position internationally as a world leader in urban and sustainable development. Hosting this event will also encourage implementation of urban development objectives to help shape a better future for the next generation,” he continued.
Al Ahbabi went to on say, “We are looking forward to witnessing such collaboration from a wide range of decision makers, experts and specialists in sustainable urban development and human settlements, from different parts of the world to exchange views, expertise and the latest advances in urban development.
“WUF10 in Abu Dhabi will include various panel discussions on topics, such as community resources, education, transportation, information technology that widely contribute to achieving sustainable urban development goals.”
In line with the Abu Dhabi Plan and the vision of UAE Founding Father the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the WUF will highlight Abu Dhabi’s goals and aspirations in urban development following its rapid development in recent years.
Such achievements are also thanks to the continued efforts invested in regulating urban development through the DPM’s various policies, guiding principles and strategic framework master plans covering the entire Abu Dhabi Emirate.
The World Urban Forum of the United Nations is a discussion platform to strengthen relations with the international community and establish a more sustainable urban world. The aim is to execute the New Urban Agenda that sets out a common vision and global standards for sustainable urban development in the coming decades.