9 March 2024
Madinah is the first Saudi and Arab city to attain SDG Cities Gold Level Recognition for their efforts towards sustainable urban development
The Governor of the Madinah Region and Chairman of the Board of Al Madinah Region Development Authority, Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz along with key dignitaries Deputy Governor and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Madinah Region Development Authority Prince Saud bin Khaled bin Faisal, and Mayor of Madinah Region and CEO of its development authority Fahad Al-Buliheshi received UN-Habitat’s SDG Cities Gold Recognition Level for the Madinah Region.
In order to attain Gold Recognition, cities are required to conduct a comprehensive Baseline Data Assessment, providing an in-depth analysis of the current status of their selected Urban Monitoring Framework (UMF) indicators. Additionally, they must formulate a Strategic Plan delineating official actions aimed at enhancing the status of these indicators over the medium to long term. Madinah is the first Saudi and Arab city and only the third city globally to attain Gold Level Recognition marking a significant milestone for the city and the wider Arab region.
This accomplishment underscores Madinah's commitment to sustainable urban development and its strategic vision aimed at achieving the SDGs by 2030. The city's comprehensive baseline data assessment reflects its dedication to inclusive planning and transformative actions. Madinah did an exceptional job adapting Urban Monitoring Framework (UMF) indicators to the local context. Crucially, Madinah’s success was rooted in its data collection and analysis methods, leveraging spatialised visualisation and an interactive dashboard enhanced its ability to target urban areas that are most left-behind. Moreover, Madinah’s commitment to transparency by publicising its data and establishing a central data repository across local governments is highly acknowledged. It also reflects the overarching commitment of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to Madinah's development, aligned with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030.
In conclusion, the Madinah Region Development Authority's journey to this Gold Level recognition is a testament to its unwavering dedication. Having obtained the Silver Certificate just a year ago, Madinah's steady progress showcases its pioneering role in localizing SDGs. As the city continues on its path towards achieving SDG Cities Platinum Recognition for institutional impact and the SDG Cities Diamond Recognition for tangible SDG impacts, it sets a powerful example for urban centres worldwide.