International Conference on Syrian Cities

 

Preparations are underway for an International Conference on Syrian Cities which will take place in Damascus in mid April 2009. Organized by the Syrian Ministry of Local Administration and Environment and supported by a number of organizations such as the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), UNDP, the German Congregation of Cities and the European Federation of Communities and Regions, this event will bring together around 600 decision-makers and experts in urban development. The focus will be on current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for Syrian cities. As the regional (MENA region) and international context is crucial to understand the status and development of Syrian Cities, regional and international experts will bring in their expertise. An important outcome is expected to be a “Charta for Syrian Cities” which attempts to outline the key objectives for the development of Syrian cities in a constantly urbanizing MENA region.

 

Urban planning will be one of the topics dealt with in special workshop sessions during the conference. As UCLG is working on the topic of urban planning through an own commission, a delegation of Syrian authorities was invited to take part at the meeting of the commission during the upcoming UCLG World Council. In this meeting, the Syrian delegation will present and promote their conference and look for partners and experiences from other cities around the world that could be brought to Damascus next year.