Dubai Municipality has taken a leading role in shaping the global urban agenda with the launch of the Dubai Declaration on the Future of Urban Governance at the 15th Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) hosted at Expo City Dubai.
Developed under the Mayors’ Accord initiative by Brisbane City Council and led by Dubai Municipality, the Declaration establishes a unified framework for international cooperation in building inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven cities. It emphasizes placing people at the center of urban development and promoting digital transformation as a key enabler of progress.
The Declaration identifies four focus areas for global cities to make meaningful impact: digital transformation, urban leadership and economic governance, quality of life, and environmental solutions. These align with Dubai Municipality’s strategic goals and its broader vision to enhance sustainability, livability, and resilience across the emirate.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the Declaration reinforces Dubai’s position as a model of foresight-driven governance. He described it as a blueprint for city leaders worldwide to collaborate, exchange solutions, and build cities that are “not only future-ready but future-shaping.”
In parallel with the Declaration, Dubai Municipality unveiled The Proactive Municipality: Shaping the Future through Foresight-Driven Signals, its first global foresight publication. The report introduces a guide designed to help cities anticipate challenges, pilot transformative ideas, and scale citizen-centric, data-driven solutions.
Through initiatives like the Dubai Declaration, the Municipality continues to integrate advanced technologies such as AI, digital twins, and data analytics, reaffirming Dubai’s commitment to global municipal excellence and contributing to the goals of the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
