A Saudi Arabian delegation led by Fahd Al-Rasheed, Advisor to the General Secretariat of the Saudi Arabian Council of Ministers, participated in the 7th Urban 20 Global Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 21 November 2024, advancing the Kingdom’s urban development priorities before an assembly of global city leaders and G20 representatives. The summit, held on the sidelines of Brazil’s G20 presidency, brought together mayors, urban policymakers, and academics from G20 member states to address the economic, climate, and development challenges reshaping the world’s cities. Saudi Arabia’s participation underscores its sustained commitment to international urban cooperation and its role as a bridge between national governments and municipal leadership on the global stage.
Is it any wonder that Saudi Arabia, a nation undergoing one of the most ambitious urban transformations in modern history, has become a central voice in these discussions? The Kingdom has played an active role in the Urban 20 since 2019, and Al-Rasheed served as Chair of the forum in 2020 when Saudi Arabia held the presidency of the G20. That legacy of engagement reflects a deliberate strategy: to ensure that the priorities of city dwellers are heard by national policymakers and that urban development is treated not as a peripheral concern but as a core component of global economic governance.
Context and Background
The Urban 20, often abbreviated as U20, is one of the official engagement groups of the G20. It was established to channel the collective voice of cities into the G20’s deliberations, recognizing that urban areas generate the overwhelming majority of global GDP and are on the front lines of climate change, migration, infrastructure strain, and social inequality. Each year, the U20 summit convenes under the G20 presidency of that year, producing communiqués and recommendations that are formally transmitted to G20 heads of state. In 2024, Brazil’s presidency placed social inclusion, sustainable development, and global governance reform at the heart of the agenda, themes that resonated strongly with Saudi Arabia’s own domestic priorities.
Why does a forum like the Urban 20 matter so much in an era of rapid urbanization? Because the decisions made in city halls—on housing, transport, energy, water, and public space—determine whether national climate targets and economic goals are actually met. Saudi Arabia understands this intimately. The Kingdom is currently implementing a portfolio of urban megaprojects and city-scale upgrades that are unprecedented in scope, from NEOM and the Line to the transformation of Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province. These projects are not isolated experiments; they are laboratories for the kind of integrated, sustainable urbanism that the U20 seeks to promote globally.
Saudi Arabia’s engagement with the U20 is therefore both a contribution and a learning exercise. By sharing its experience in master planning, smart city technology, and public-private partnership models, the Kingdom offers practical insights to other nations. At the same time, it absorbs best practices from cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, ensuring that its own urban agenda remains aligned with global norms and innovations. This two-way exchange is a hallmark of Saudi diplomacy under Vision 2030: confident, collaborative, and forward-looking.
Key Details of the Saudi Engagement
During the Rio summit, the Saudi delegation, led by Fahd Al-Rasheed, held a series of meetings and convened gatherings with global mayors, urban leaders, and academics. These discussions centered on the challenges and opportunities of global urbanization, including financing sustainable infrastructure, integrating technology into city management, and ensuring that urban growth is inclusive and resilient. Al-Rasheed emphasized that the Urban 20 serves as a vital conduit between civic society and the G20’s national leaders, ensuring that the priorities of city dwellers are not overlooked in high-level economic negotiations.
What specific message did the Saudi delegation bring to Rio? According to Al-Rasheed, the U20 represents “the voice of civic society to the heads of state of the G20 nations” and ensures that “the priorities of city leaders, and the people they represent, are heard by national policymakers.” This statement captures the essence of Saudi Arabia’s approach: a belief that urban policy is not a technical afterthought but a central pillar of national development. The delegation’s active participation in panel discussions and bilateral meetings reinforced the Kingdom’s reputation as a constructive and reliable partner in multilateral forums.
The Saudi presence in Rio also highlighted the Kingdom’s track record in hosting and chairing urban-focused international gatherings. When Saudi Arabia held the G20 presidency in 2020, Al-Rasheed chaired the U20, steering its agenda during a global pandemic that exposed the vulnerabilities of cities everywhere. That experience gave Saudi Arabia a unique perspective on crisis response, digital service delivery, and the importance of resilient urban systems. In Rio, the delegation was able to draw on that experience to contribute meaningfully to debates on post-pandemic urban recovery and long-term planning.
International and Regional Impact
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Urban 20 carries significant implications for the broader Middle East and North Africa region. As the largest Arab economy and a leading member of the G20, the Kingdom’s positions on urban development often shape regional consensus. By championing sustainable cities, smart infrastructure, and inclusive growth, Saudi Arabia encourages its neighbors to adopt similar approaches, fostering a more integrated and prosperous region. The delegation’s engagement in Rio thus extends beyond the summit hall, sending a signal that Arab cities are active participants in global urban governance, not passive observers.
On the international stage, Saudi Arabia’s role in the U20 reinforces its broader diplomatic strategy of multilateral engagement. The Kingdom is a member of the G20, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and numerous other international bodies, and it consistently uses these platforms to promote stability, development, and cooperation. In Rio, the Saudi delegation’s meetings with mayors and urban leaders from diverse countries helped build networks of trust and collaboration that will pay dividends in the years ahead. Whether the topic is climate adaptation, digital transformation, or affordable housing, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a source of solutions and a partner for progress.
Could the Urban 20 become an even more influential forum in the coming decade? The trends suggest yes. As the world’s population becomes increasingly urban, the decisions made by city leaders will have a direct bearing on global emissions, economic productivity, and social cohesion. Saudi Arabia’s early and sustained involvement in the U20 gives it a seat at the table where those decisions are shaped. This is not merely a matter of prestige; it is a strategic investment in a future where cities are the engines of growth and the front lines of sustainability.
Economic and Strategic Significance
The economic dimensions of Saudi Arabia’s engagement with the Urban 20 are substantial. The Kingdom is investing hundreds of billions of dollars in urban infrastructure, real estate, and smart city technologies as part of Vision 2030. These investments are designed to diversify the economy away from oil, create jobs for a young and growing population, and improve the quality of life for citizens and residents. By participating in global forums like the U20, Saudi Arabia can attract international partners, share risks, and access cutting-edge expertise. The connections made in Rio could translate into joint ventures, knowledge-sharing agreements, and investment flows that accelerate the Kingdom’s urban ambitions.
Strategically, the U20 provides Saudi Arabia with a platform to articulate its vision of urban development to a global audience. The Kingdom’s megaprojects—NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, Diriyah, and others—are not just construction sites; they are statements of intent about the future of human settlement. They emphasize sustainability, technology, and cultural heritage, and they are designed to be replicable models for other regions. By presenting these projects in international forums, Saudi Arabia strengthens its soft power and reinforces its claim to leadership in the global urban transition. The Rio summit was another opportunity to tell that story to an influential audience.
What does Saudi Arabia gain from these exchanges beyond goodwill? Tangible benefits include access to best practices in urban financing, regulatory reform, and public engagement. The U20’s working groups produce detailed recommendations on topics such as inclusive growth, climate action, and digital governance. Saudi policymakers can use these recommendations to refine their own strategies, ensuring that the Kingdom’s cities are not only visually stunning but also socially and environmentally sustainable. In this sense, the U20 is a two-way street: Saudi Arabia contributes its experience and, in return, gains insights that make its own urban transformation more effective.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The Saudi delegation’s participation in the Urban 20 is a direct expression of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s comprehensive reform plan launched in 2016 under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Vision 2030 aims to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. Each of these pillars has an urban dimension. A vibrant society requires safe, inclusive, and culturally rich cities. A thriving economy depends on efficient infrastructure, connectivity, and innovation clusters. An ambitious nation engages constructively with the world and learns from global partners. The U20 summit in Rio de Janeiro touched on all these themes, making it a natural fit for Saudi Arabia’s strategic priorities.
Moreover, the Kingdom’s urban agenda is deeply intertwined with its sustainability goals. Saudi Arabia has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 and is investing heavily in renewable energy, green building standards, and public transport. The Line, NEOM’s flagship linear city, is designed to be car-free and powered entirely by clean energy. These projects are not just national showcases; they are contributions to the global fight against climate change. By sharing its approach at the U20, Saudi Arabia demonstrates that ambitious environmental goals and economic development can go hand in hand. The Rio summit provided a stage to make that case to a global audience of city leaders and policymakers.
As the Kingdom continues its journey toward 2030 and beyond, its engagement with forums like the Urban 20 will remain a cornerstone of its international outreach. The challenges of urbanization are too complex for any nation to solve alone. They require collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to learn from one another. Saudi Arabia, with its bold vision and its growing portfolio of world-class cities, is well positioned to be a leader in this global effort. The delegation’s work in Rio de Janeiro is a reminder that the Kingdom’s future is being built not only in the deserts and skylines of Saudi Arabia but also in the meeting rooms and partnerships of the international community.
20 Questions
Q1. What was the main purpose of the Saudi delegation’s visit to Rio de Janeiro?
A1. The delegation attended the 7th Urban 20 Global Summit to promote Saudi Arabia’s urban policies and projects, engage with global city leaders, and contribute to discussions on global urbanization challenges and opportunities.
Q2. Who led the Saudi delegation at the Urban 20 summit?
A2. The delegation was led by Fahd Al-Rasheed, Advisor to the General Secretariat of the Saudi Arabian Council of Ministers, who has extensive experience in urban development and international forums.
Q3. What is the Urban 20 and why is it important?
A3. The Urban 20 is an official engagement group of the G20 that brings together cities from member states to discuss economic, climate, and development issues and to convey urban priorities to national leaders.
Q4. When and where did the 7th Urban 20 Global Summit take place?
A4. The 7th Urban 20 Global Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 21 November 2024, alongside Brazil’s G20 presidency.
Q5. Has Saudi Arabia participated in the Urban 20 before?
A5. Yes, Saudi Arabia has been an active participant in the Urban 20 since 2019, demonstrating its sustained commitment to global urban cooperation and policy dialogue.
Q6. What role did Fahd Al-Rasheed play in the Urban 20 in 2020?
A6. Fahd Al-Rasheed served as Chair of the Urban 20 in 2020 when Saudi Arabia held the presidency of the G20, guiding the forum’s agenda during a pivotal year.
Q7. What did Al-Rasheed say about the importance of the Urban 20?
A7. He stated that the Urban 20 is an important global forum for addressing urban issues and generating solutions, representing the voice of civic society to G20 heads of state.
Q8. Which groups did the Saudi delegation meet with during the summit?
A8. The delegation engaged with global mayors, urban leaders, and academics, convening gatherings to discuss the challenges and opportunities of global urbanization.
Q9. How does Saudi Arabia’s participation benefit the Kingdom?
A9. It allows Saudi Arabia to share its urban development experience, learn from global best practices, attract international partners, and reinforce its leadership in sustainable urbanism.
Q10. What are some of Saudi Arabia’s major urban projects mentioned in the context of Vision 2030?
A10. Projects include NEOM, The Line, the Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, and Diriyah, all designed to diversify the economy and showcase sustainable, innovative urban living.
Q11. How does the Urban 20 connect to the G20?
A11. The Urban 20 is an official engagement group that produces recommendations for G20 heads of state, ensuring urban priorities are considered in global economic and development policies.
Q12. What themes were central to the 2024 Urban 20 summit under Brazil’s presidency?
A12. The 2024 summit focused on social inclusion, sustainable development, and global governance reform, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s own priorities for inclusive and resilient cities.
Q13. Why is urbanization a critical global issue today?
A13. Most of the world’s population now lives in cities, which are major contributors to GDP and greenhouse gas emissions, making urban policy central to economic and climate goals.
Q14. How does Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 align with the Urban 20’s objectives?
A14. Vision 2030 emphasizes vibrant society, thriving economy, and ambitious nation, all of which require sustainable, inclusive, and innovative urban development, mirroring the Urban 20’s goals.
Q15. What economic benefits can Saudi Arabia gain from participating in the Urban 20?
A15. Participation can lead to joint ventures, investment flows, and access to expertise in urban financing, technology, and sustainable design, supporting economic diversification.
Q16. How does Saudi Arabia’s role in the Urban 20 reflect its broader foreign policy?
A16. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to multilateral engagement, constructive diplomacy, and global cooperation on shared challenges like climate change and sustainable development.
Q17. What is the significance of Saudi Arabia chairing the Urban 20 in 2020?
A17. It highlighted the Kingdom’s leadership in urban policy during its G20 presidency and provided a platform to shape global discussions on resilient cities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q18. How does Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Urban 20 benefit the Middle East region?
A18. It encourages regional adoption of sustainable urban practices and positions Arab cities as active contributors to global urban governance, fostering integration and prosperity.
Q19. What are some sustainable features of Saudi Arabia’s urban megaprojects?
A19. Projects like The Line are designed to be car-free, powered by renewable energy, and integrated with nature, setting new standards for eco-friendly urban living.
Q20. What is the forward-looking message from Saudi Arabia’s engagement at the Urban 20?
A20. Saudi Arabia is committed to shaping a sustainable urban future through international collaboration, innovation, and the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, benefiting both the Kingdom and the world.
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