The Municipality of Djibouti is participating in the 62nd session of the Executive Council of the Organization of Arab Cities in Tangier.

Date de l'événement : 2025-02-03

The City of Djibouti marks a significant milestone in its international engagement by actively participating in the 62nd session of the Executive Council of the Organization of Arab Cities, currently being held in Tangier. Represented by its mayor, Mr. Said Daoud Mohamed, the capital of Djibouti asserts its role in the Arab intercity dialogue and strengthens its relations with major cities in the region. Mr. Said Daoud is accompanied by Mrs. Saida Zaine Ahmad, Deputy Director of the technical department of the Municipality. The Secretary-General of the Organization of Arab Cities, Mr. Abderrahman Al-Asfour, emphasized the need to unify urban planning concepts to build sustainable Arab cities, balancing modernity and heritage identity. During the opening of the 62nd session of the Executive Council of the organization, he advocated for strengthening joint Arab action in favor of future cities. He also expressed his solidarity with Palestinian, Lebanese, Sudanese, and Syrian cities affected by various crises, affirming the organization's commitment to support them. By participating in this event, Djibouti is not just observing but taking action. The signing, scheduled for February 3, 2025, of two twinning agreements (with Tangier and East Jerusalem) illustrates the capital's commitment to strategic cooperation. The agreement with Tangier paves the way for strengthened economic and cultural exchanges, while the one with East Jerusalem, particularly symbolic, marks a commitment to Arab solidarity and intercultural dialogue. Mr. Said Daoud Mohamed, through this initiative, demonstrates a proactive approach to local governance. By integrating the City of Djibouti into a network of exchanges and cooperation with influential metropolises in the Arab world, he consolidates Djibouti's image as a key player in urban development and regional cooperation. His commitment is part of a vision where cities are no longer mere administrative entities but platforms for innovation, resilience, and shared prosperity. Indeed, the context of this meeting is conducive to such advancements. Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco is promoting an ambitious cooperation policy and an integrated approach to urban development. Tangier, the host city of this session, positions itself as a model of advanced local governance, urban innovation, and sustainable development. Moreover, Djibouti is aligning itself within a framework where urban planning, local autonomy, and infrastructure modernization are at the heart of Arab cities' priorities. These twinning agreements are not mere formalities; they open the door to concrete cooperation projects, particularly in infrastructure management, urban mobility, ecological transition, and cultural development. The twinning agreement with East Jerusalem holds significant political and symbolic importance. It reflects Djibouti's commitment to the values of solidarity and cooperation among Arab cities, as well as its dedication to preserving historical and cultural heritage. Through this initiative, the City of Djibouti shows its support for efforts to strengthen cohesion and dialogue within the Arab world. Djibouti's involvement in this high-level meeting underscores its ambition to play a more active role on the regional and international stage. By focusing on pragmatic urban diplomacy and strategic partnerships, the capital positions itself as a hub of innovation and cooperation, capable of capitalizing on the opportunities that inter-city cooperation offers. This dynamic must now translate into concrete actions. The urban challenges of Djibouti (related to population growth, infrastructure management, and environmental imperatives) require innovative solutions and strengthened governance. The experience of cities like Tangier or East Jerusalem can serve as inspiration for developing effective urban planning, improving municipal services, and modernizing infrastructure. With its active participation in the work of the Organization of Arab Cities and the signing of significant twinning agreements, Djibouti takes a crucial step in its regional integration. This strategy, driven by Mayor Said Daoud Mohamed, illustrates the capital's desire to establish itself as an influential Arab city, open to exchanges and future-oriented. For the record, the Organization of Arab Cities was created on March 15, 1967, and its headquarters is in Kuwait. It is an independent non-governmental organization aimed at building sustainable Arab cities that meet various urban development requirements. Finally, the Organization of Arab Cities calls for the unification of urban concepts for the construction of sustainable cities. It remains to be seen if these commitments will bear fruit, but one thing is certain: Djibouti is now asserting itself as an essential city in the Arab urban space.