Challenges

The Arab region faces complex urban challenges, including rapid urbanization, climate vulnerability, limited local governance capacity, and fragmented access to knowledge and resources. These issues are further compounded by crises, socio-political instability, and persistent gaps in aligning local action with global frameworks such as the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda. Addressing these challenges requires empowering local leaders with the skills, tools, and networks needed to implement inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban solutions.

To support cities in fostering local-national development dialogue and reforms coherence, accelerating sustainable urban development, and institutionalizing community engagement and learning, ESCWA launched the Arab Mayors Academy in collaboration with UN-Habitat. This pioneering regional initiative envisions a future where local authorities across the Arab region are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and practical tools to effectively navigate the region’s urban challenges and opportunities. Through targeted training and peer-learning, the Academy advances SDG localization and positions Arab cities as key drivers of sustainable urban transformation.

Toward a Solution

The Arab Mayors Academy is a pioneering regional initiative that empowers local authorities across the Arab region with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle the complex challenges of urban and sustainable development. Its vision is to cultivate a new generation of visionary leaders capable of guiding their communities toward inclusive, resilient, and sustainable futures.

The Academy enhances leadership capacities by offering practical tools and strategic guidance on key regional priorities including Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) localization, emergency preparedness, smart sustainable cities, quality of life, climate resilience, urban financing, partnerships, and city diplomacy. It contributes to multiple SDGs, including SDGs 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 13, 16, and 17.

Employing a blended learning model, the Academy integrates self-paced e-learning modules, interactive webinars, and in-person workshops. This approach bridges theory and practice, enabling city leaders to apply learned concepts directly to their local contexts. The program fosters South-South cooperation and facilitates peer to peer exchange among cities in the Arab region and globally, encouraging mutual learning and adaptation of innovative urban solutions.

The Academy’s design was highly participatory, shaped by input from over 130 city leaders to ensure the curriculum responds to local needs and realities. Led by UNESCWA and implemented in partnership with UN-Habitat and the technical support of more than 20 global and regional entities, the Academy promotes inclusive knowledge sharing, empowering local governments and fostering local national dialogue and coherent reforms. A strong emphasis is placed on empowering women in leadership roles within urban settings.

The first edition created a valuable platform for regional cooperation, allowing mayors and senior officials to share experiences, build networks, and gain recognition for their leadership. By providing access to regional and international platforms, the Academy amplified the voices of Arab city leaders and enabled them to introduce reform at the local level, strengthening their influence and expanding opportunities for collaboration and resource mobilization. This is particularly important as cities in the Arab region seek to position themselves as key actors in shaping sustainable futures, attracting investment, and implementing locally driven solutions responding to complex development challenges.

The first edition also demonstrated tangible results: it strengthened the leadership capacity of 11 mayors and senior city officials, who reported significant growth in their skills across various urban domains. Each webinar attracted over 80 local authorities, underscoring the program’s wide regional reach. The Academy successfully fostered partnerships, expanded its network, and catalyzed progress toward SDG implementation.

The inaugural edition offered important lessons, both positive and challenging. On the positive side, the Academy’s modular and flexible format proved highly effective in engaging busy city leaders, while the participatory design ensured relevance and local ownership. The inclusion of diverse experts and peer learning sessions enriched the experience and created strong momentum for collective action. On the other hand, challenges were encountered in maintaining consistent engagement across all modules, particularly in virtual components, due to differing institutional capacities.

Members of the first edition of the Arab Mayors Academy have laid the foundation for a growing network and community of practice among Arab city leaders who are committed to collaboration and transformative urban action. Building on this impact and incorporating lessons learned, UNESCWA is currently designing the second edition of the Arab Mayors Academy, scheduled to launch in July 2025.

The Academy’s innovation lies in its dynamic blend of theoretical learning and practical engagement, delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous digital learning, in person exchanges, and tailored capacity building. This model is adaptable and scalable, provided there is strong regional cooperation, access to digital infrastructure, and ongoing curriculum refinement through feedback loops.

The Academy’s sustainability is anchored in continued engagement with local leaders and the creation of an active alumni network. As the initiative expands, alumni will play a central role in promoting knowledge exchange and peer learning. By remaining responsive to local needs and focused on SDG achievement, the program ensures long term relevance and impact.

In conclusion, the Arab Mayors Academy stands as a model for regional cooperation in urban development. Through its innovative approach, emphasis on peer learning, and commitment to inclusive and sustainable urban solutions, it is equipping city leaders to drive transformative change across the Arab region and potentially beyond.