Doha, December 16 (QNA) - The Sixth Arab Ministerial Forum on Housing and Urban Development concluded Tuesday with the adoption of the Doha Declaration, which outlines a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening national housing strategies and enhancing community participation in planning processes across the Arab region.

The declaration calls for updating and developing comprehensive, actionable national housing and population policies that address the needs of all social groups in Arab countries.

It also emphasizes strengthening smart urban and housing data systems, including the establishment of national and local urban observatories to improve data production and evidence-based policymaking.

It stresses the importance of adopting integrated urban and regional planning approaches by linking housing policies with urban development, land use, transport, infrastructure, and logistics services to support sustainable growth.

The declaration further highlights the need to accelerate innovative housing finance solutions, promote public-private partnerships, and enhance investment in smart housing.

The Doha Declaration underlines support for sustainable and resilient reconstruction efforts in countries affected by crises, alongside strengthening local governance and decentralization.

It calls for empowering cities and municipalities to play a more active role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, expanding community participation in planning, developing risk management and early warning systems, and encouraging the exchange of expertise.

It also urges Arab donor organizations to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in countries impacted by conflicts and crises, while calling on the international community to provide humanitarian and development assistance to affected states, as well as support refugees and displaced persons in Arab countries in line with international law until lasting solutions are achieved.

The declaration invites Arab countries to submit voluntary reports on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and to participate actively in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, scheduled for 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as a key global platform for monitoring and reviewing urban development commitments.

It also calls on Arab ministers concerned with housing and urban development to strengthen their participation in the Fifth Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change, set to be held in Antalya, Turkiye.

The Doha Declaration was issued following three days of intensive discussions and specialized dialogue sessions, attended by senior officials, experts, and decision-makers from across the Arab world.

The final day of the forum opened with a session on shaping the future of cities, with participation from Qatar and Jordan, focusing on social justice, social cohesion in urban policies, and the role of smart cities in supporting vulnerable groups and improving social services.

Other sessions addressed demographic challenges in Arab cities, featuring experiences from Yemen, Iraq, and Morocco, highlighting the need to align urban planning with demographic shifts and enhance cities’ capacity to respond to rapid population changes.

Additional discussions showcased Arab experiences in urban development and quality of life improvement, with contributions from Libya, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, presenting successful models for urban regeneration and partnership-driven sustainable development.

In the housing, land, and basic services track, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia, alongside experiences from Sudan and Lebanon, presented innovative solutions to address emerging challenges and promote more inclusive and sustainable urban environments that balance urban growth with social considerations. (QNA)