[ecr] 

“We hope that this Congress will be a real opportunity to find technical solutions in the field of sustainable new towns, given the rapid growth of the construction sector in Arab countries”, said Al-Maliki in a speech at the opening ceremony of the Congress, held on Tuesday at the Abdelatif-Rahal International Conference Center (CIC, Algiers), under the chairmanship of the Minister of Housing, Urban Planning and Town, Mohamed Tarek Belaribi, in the presence of Arab housing ministers.

Organized under the patronage of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, this Congress provides a key opportunity to launch “a dialogue between Arab countries in the construction sector, examine the mechanisms of Arab action, adopt best practices and exchange experiences and expertise, to ensure a better future for our peoples.”

“I am convinced this event will result in innovative Arab solutions to meet current and future challenges, as part of implementing the urban agenda in Arab countries and efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially that of establishing quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructures.”

In this connection, he stressed the need to “pursue the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the Arab Strategy for Housing and Sustainable Urban Development 2020-2030.”

“I hope that the outcomes of the Conference, the dialogue sessions and the 41^st session of the meeting of the Council of Arab Ministers of Housing would contribute to strengthening joint Arab action and proposing concrete solutions in terms of access to housing and improving the quality of life,” he continued.

The event, attended by China's Minister of Housing, Urban Development and Town, Ni Hong, will focus on 4 main areas: sustainable urban planning, decent and affordable housing, sustainable cities and quality of life, and green buildings and environmentally friendly building materials.[/ecr]