The Quality of Life Program, one of the Saudi Vision 2030 Realization Programs, participated in the Global Quality of Life Conference organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat). The two-day conference took place in Cairo as part of the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), bringing together experts and specialists in urban development and quality of life from around the world. During the conference, Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Baker, CEO of the Quality of Life Program, held a productive meeting with Enkelejda Rospach, Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, in the presence of Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Salman, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Kenya. The Quality of Life Program CEO presented a comprehensive overview of the urban transformations underway in Saudi Arabia and engaged in dynamic exchanges with attendees on key challenges and opportunities in the sector. Q: What are your highlights from the Global Quality of Life Conference? A: I had the opportunity to meet with Enkelejda Rospach, Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, in the presence of Ambassador Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Salman. We discussed strengthening international cooperation in big data analysis and implementation, along with incorporating quality of life standards and sustainable development within the UN global agenda. We also addressed how to involve local communities in developing quality of life indicators at an international level, sharing valuable insights from our respective experiences. Q: How does the conference align with Saudi Vision 2030? A: The conference provided a platform to showcase the Quality of Life Program's role in achieving Saudi Vision 2030. I presented a comprehensive report on the urban transformations currently unfolding in Saudi Arabia, covering initiatives aimed at enhancing Saudi cities and improving quality of life through urban landscape improvements and expanded resident services. The presentation highlighted the Quality of Life Program's operation within an integrated system, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, municipalities, and other relevant authorities, to place people at the center of urban development projects. We emphasized the program's commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and digital transformation in urban design, aligning with global best practices in this field. The Quality of Life Program's participation in this global conference underscores the Kingdom's commitment to exchanging experiences with the international community and leveraging global best practices in sustainable urban development, all contributing to Vision 2030. Our strategy is ambitious, aiming to improve residents' quality of life in Saudi cities through infrastructure development, service enhancement, and creating a sustainable urban environment that meets the expectations of citizens and residents. Q: What are the most important factors moving forward in sustainable urban development? A: International forums like the Global Quality of Life Conference and WUF12 are invaluable. Meeting officials and decision-makers in urban development from around the world allows us to share challenges, opportunities, and best practices to better serve our own communities. These events enable us to exchange successful experiences in improving quality of life in cities and local communities. They act as global platforms for learning, debate, and action toward a sustainable and equitable future. The conference and forum also underscored the importance of investing in modern technologies and big data to develop measurement indicators, which in turn improves the effectiveness of policy development and initiatives. With access to the right data and policies, cities can better navigate the complexities of urbanization and environmental challenges, ultimately enhancing quality of life for all residents. Conference sessions provided participants with an opportunity to review key challenges and opportunities in sustainable urban development, exploring ways to enhance international cooperation in city development and overall quality of life. They also highlighted the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to urban planning that considers social, economic, and environmental dimensions and encourages the participation of all community segments in the development process. In sum, these events emphasized the importance of sustained international cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals and enhance quality of life in cities and local communities. Despite local differences in values and priorities, the quest for quality of life is universal. It is an ongoing journey for both people and the planet, and as we face many challenges ahead, it is a journey best taken together.
