Network MENA

Located at:

الشبكة الإقليمية لمدن الشرق الأوسط وشمال افريقيا

Connective Cities Network in the MENA region

Connective Cities supports municipal actors and urban practitioners in developing locally adapted solutions for sustainable urban development by:

  • Promoting exchange of experience between municipal actors and urban practitioners
  • Supporting cooperation between German and international cities
  • Initiating joint projects
  • Disseminating proven solutions and concepts
  • Offering a platform to share and document good practices

Thematic Focus Areas

More than 100 municipalities have joined the network in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). As part of the network activities, cities replicate, improve, and disseminate good practices within the following thematic focus areas:

  • Local economic development
  • Municipal energy efficiency projects
  • Social entrepreneurship for circular economies
  • Biodiversity protection and urban agriculture
  • Digitalisation of municipal services
  • Crisis management and emergency response
  • Action for Cool Cities: pathways for carbon emission reduction and improvement of outdoor thermal comfort
  • Destination management organization in Tourism
  • Role of municipalities in Localizing SDGs

Exchange takes place within thematic clusters and in several formats, including:

  • City-to-city virtual exchange or within thematic working groups
  • Physical networking events and workshops
  • Field visits and study tours on good practices

Within the network, Connective Cities supports the documentation and dissemination of good practices, especially those that include climate and gender-sensitive solutions.
 

Charter and steering committee:

Network members have developed a charter in a participatory manner and have elected committee members to steer the activities of the working groups. A new election will be held in March 2024.

The network in the MENA region is effective and inclusive:

  • As a result, urban practitioners from the region consult with each other and learn from each other about the successes and challenges in implementing locally adapted urban solutions.
  • The network's interaction and communication provides a platform for cities to present their urban solutions and inspire their peers.