Amman: The Fair and Sustainable Cities Conference commenced in Amman on Tuesday, themed "Our Cities Beyond." The event is organized by Friedrich Ebert Foundation's Regional Center for Energy and Climate Justice for the Middle East and North Africa.
According to Jordan News Agency, the three-day conference gathers experts and representatives from civil society, governments, and academic institutions across the region. Discussions focus on disaster recovery, smart cities, and the voices of youth in reshaping the future of cities, aligning with Amman's efforts to establish itself as a regional hub for dialogue on sustainable climate justice and urban transformation.
During the opening ceremony, Dina Kasbi, Program Director at the Center, stated that the conference serves as a platform for sharing regional expertise and formulating collective visions for post-crisis fair and sustainable cities. Kasbi emphasized that the conference marks a phase of urban thinking in the region, strengthening the connection between climate justice and reconstruction, thereby making cities more resilient and equitable for both people and the environment.
The first day included various activities, beginning with the "Jane Jacobs in Your Community - Second Edition" celebration. This event honored women and community initiatives from Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and Morocco, recognized for their work in local development, community engagement, and sustainability.
Additionally, the "Our Cities in Transition" session addressed the social, environmental, and economic transformations facing Arab cities in the context of climate change, with experts from Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt participating.
In an evening session, participants in the "Barrier-Free Mobility" track advocated for the development of fair and sustainable transport systems. These systems aim to address the needs of various societal segments and integrate clean technology into the public transport sector.