The third round of sessions of the Thematic Clusters for the Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum (AECD) was concluded on September 10, 2026. The meetings were held from September 7 to 10, as part of a series organized by AUDI in preparation for the Forum, scheduled to take place in Madrid, Spain, in January 2027, with the participation of representatives from Arab and European cities, international organizations, and academic institutions.

The meetings marked an advanced stage in the work of the Thematic Clusters, shifting the focus of discussions from identifying urban challenges and understanding their underlying drivers to presenting  solutions, initiatives, practical experiences, and lessons learned. This enabled cities to share their expertise and explore opportunities to leverage existing solutions while adapting them to diverse urban contexts. 

The meetings featured presentations on 30 projects and practical case studies from Arab and European cities, highlighting experiences and solutions aligned with urban development priorities. Contributions from experts representing international organizations and academic institutions further enriched the dialogue and strengthened the exchange of knowledge and expertise among participating cities.

The event brought together more than 100 participants, including 68 city representatives, fostering mutual learning, linking challenges with practical solutions and experiences, and opening new avenues for cooperation and partnerships between Arab and European cities, paving the way toward the Madrid 2027 Forum.