The event, hosted by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), aims to mobilise international support for the World Urban Forum in 2020

Abu Dhabi, 17th December 2019: A welcome reception for ambassadors of more than 30 countries was hosted by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Ambassadors and officials came together for the event, which aims to support the World Urban Forum (WUF10) that will be held in Abu Dhabi in 2020.

The introductory reception highlighted opportunities available at WUF10 for the respective countries, with insights into potential engagement opportunities. 

A series of discussions provided an essential outline of what to expect at WUF10, including bilateral meetings that will take place at the event, the many delegations that will visit, how to participate in sessions and details relating to the opening and closing ceremony. 

H.E. Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the DMT, said: “We are honoured to be hosting the World Urban Forum – the most important conference on the development of sustainable cities. 

“The dinner and networking reception made progressive steps to advance awareness of WUF10 as networks with key stakeholders grew even stronger.

“The DMT is working closely with UN-Habitat, our Executive Committee and Local Organising Committee, to engage partners and embassies based in the UAE. We are delighted to expand cooperation and strengthen ties with countries, as we look forward to increasing awareness about WUF10 across global communities.”

The reception served to support the WUF10 objectives, including boosting country pavilion participation and increasing attendance of our international delegates. 

With over 20,000 international guests expected to attend, hosting WUF10 presents an opportunity for UAE’s ambassadors to actively engage with key stakeholders, including UN representatives, local and international government entities and private sector partners. 

WUF10, convened by UN-Habitat and jointly organised with the DMT, will take place in Abu Dhabi in February 2020. 

The forum will provide a platform to discuss 21st century city planning, taking into consideration specific cultural factors and demographics within a context of rapid urban development. 

WUF10 will showcase the Abu Dhabi Plan, through which the city aims to realise its long-term sustainable development vision, in a region that has one of the fastest urbanisation rates in the globe.

Established in 2001, the WUF is the world’s premier gathering on urban issues. The forum examines the impact of rapid urbanisation and its implications for social, economic and environmental policies in communities, cities and towns. 

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