Building on the momentum of over 100 bilateral meetings and more than 35 follow-up discussions, the Secretariat has successfully elevated engagement from one-on-one exchanges to a more inclusive, collective dialogue.

On 20 January and 12 February, more than 38 cities from across both regions convened virtually to advance cooperation and deepen shared understanding. These digital meetings provided a platform to:

• Share progress on the Connect & Collaborate Initiative
• Present key updates on the Cities in Dialogue Series
• Explore detailed developments within the Thematic Clusters

At the heart of these gatherings lies a simple yet powerful principle: meaningful dialogue must be continuous. By maintaining regular exchange, cities can move beyond conversation toward tangible collaboration and long-term partnerships.

44 Cities Join the Thematic Clusters

In a significant step forward, 44 cities and Local Government Associations (LGAs) have now joined the four Thematic Clusters of the Arab European Cities Dialogue (AECD). These include:

• Quality of Life & Community Development
• Economic Development & Prosperity
• Climate Action & Urban Resilience
• Digital Transformation & Technologies

These clusters serve as voluntary, practice-oriented working groups, bringing cities together around shared priorities. Through this structure, participants are able to:

• Foster peer-to-peer learning
• Exchange technical expertise
• Co-develop practical cooperation outcomes throughout the year

The clusters are designed not only as discussion platforms, but as engines for action-supporting cities in shaping real, implementable solutions.

From Dialogue to Impact

The long-term ambition of this collaborative effort is clear: to elevate technical insights generated by cities into actionable interregional recommendations. These outcomes will be presented to city leaders during the AECD 2027 Cities Leadership Forum in Madrid.

This approach reflects a shift in perspective-recognizing cities not merely as case studies, but as active co-producers of the global urban discourse.

Why Join the Dialogue?

Participation in this growing platform offers tangible benefits for cities and institutions alike, including:

• Exposure to the experiences and best practices of peer cities
• Increased recognition and international visibility
• Acknowledgment as a key contributor to interregional cooperation efforts

As the AECD network continues to expand, it reinforces a shared commitment: connecting cities, strengthening collaboration, and shaping a more inclusive and resilient urban future-together.