The 8th Arab Housing Conference officially began on Tuesday at the International Conference Center, CIC-Abdelatif Rahal in Algiers, under the patronage of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. This three-day event is centered around the theme “Sustainable Urbanism and Construction: Challenges and Promising Hopes.”
The opening session was presided over by the Minister of Housing, Urban Planning, and the City, Mohamed Tarek Belaribi. Attendees included Ali Ben Brahim El-Maliki, the Deputy Secretary-General and President of the Economic Sector at the Arab League, as well as ministers of housing from various Arab countries, Chinese Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Ni Hong, alongside diplomats, representatives from companies and institutions within the sector, and experts and researchers.
Taking place concurrently with the 41st session of the Arab Ministers’ Council for Housing and Urban Development, this conference—organized by the Algerian Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning, and the City in collaboration with the Arab League—seeks to explore the roles of governments and relevant sectors in enhancing housing and urban policies, along with their future prospects.
Discussions will also delve into technological advancements in construction and sustainable urban development while evaluating the implementation of the urban agenda concerning Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11, through integrated planning of cities, villages, and infrastructure.
The congress will address four primary themes: sustainable urbanism; decent and affordable housing; sustainable cities and quality of life; and eco-friendly buildings and environmentally sustainable construction materials.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations program aimed at developing a strategy for sustainable housing and urban development by 2030, specifically targeting the creation of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements (UN-Habitat). This goal was endorsed by the Arab League during the 30th session of the Arab Ministers’ Council for Housing and Urban Development, according to the organizers.
The meeting will further examine urban planning mechanisms, highlighting the importance of eco-friendly buildings and the utilization of sustainable construction materials. It will also discuss best practices and experiences that can promote sustainable development and enhance quality of life, while establishing criteria for decent housing that caters to the needs of diverse societal groups.
The conference will serve as a platform for dialogue among researchers, academics, developers, government agency representatives, public and private institutions, and civil society from Arab countries to develop strategies for improving housing, urban planning, and sustainable construction policies, while exchanging insights on sustainable construction technologies.
Additionally, a session of the United Nations Human Settlements Program will focus on the progress made in implementing the New Urban Agenda (NUA) and the Arab Strategy for Housing and Sustainable Urban Development.
During the proceedings, a cooperation agreement will be signed between the National Center for Applied Research in Seismic Engineering (CGS) and the Arab Center for Risk Prevention from Earthquakes and Other Natural Disasters.
The congress will also host the inaugural Arab-Chinese ministerial meeting on housing and urban development.
