Salalah: Activities of the Arab Conference on Sustainable Cities, organized by the Environment Authority in cooperation with Dhofar Municipality and the Arab Towns Organization, kicked off here today.

The two-day event was opened by HH Sayyid Marwan Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar.

Dr. Abdullah Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, gave a speech on the occasion, saying that cities’ sustainability can only be achieved through the application of green economies. The conference, he explained, deals with the concept of developing sustainable governorates and cities, with emphasis on natural resources.

The Secretary General of the Arab Towns Organization, Eng. Ahmed Hamad Al Subaih, gave a speech in which he stressed the need to spread the concept of green economy now that the world is facing great challenges due to climate change and fossil fuel-based industries. The world is in great need for clean economy, said Eng. Ahmed, who noted that the close association between environment and development led to the concept of green economy.

Besides green economy, the conference sessions deal with the governance of sustainable cities and comprehensive management of water, food and waste in sustainable cities.

The conference also explored successful regional and international experiences in the field of green economy and sustainable cities. It underscored the significance of espousing smart applications when developing sustainable cities.