Municipality Minister: Qatar Among the First States to Create Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Urbanization

Doha, March 14 (QNA) - HE the Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Khalifa Al Thani said that Qatar was among the first countries to create sustainable cities and ensure sustainable urbanization.     In a speech on the occasion of the Arab City Day, HE the Minister, who is also Chairman of the Arab Towns Organization Award, said the Arab cities will celebrate tomorrow (Saturday) the Arab City Day, which commemorates the creation of the Arab Town Organization (ATO) on 19th March 1967. The event will be marked under the theme of "Sustainable Cities .. Sustainable Urbanization".     He said that the march of the ATO had seen many achievements and successes on the regional and international levels, a matter which contributed to the progress of the Arab city in terms of partnership and presence in the local, regional and international forums and the acquisition of knowledge and experience in key issues of concern to the Arab cities and the development of their services. Thanks to the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, HE the Minister stressed that the State of Qatar was among the first states in fulfilling the idea behind this year theme through the comprehensive development witnessed by modern Qatar in most sectors including cities' services and infrastructure, as well as the future development projects to ensure successful organization of the 2022 World Cup.     He also pointed to the attention given by Qatar to technology and e-government and to the continued development of services, referring to the launch of Al Wakra service complex, which will facilitate access to services provided by ministries and government agencies under one roof and in a short period of time.     HE the Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning extended his thanks to the ATO Secretariat, led by the Secretary General Abdul Aziz Al-Adsani and his staff, for their effort and continuous work to preserve the Arab cities, maintain their Arab and Islamic identity and upgrade their services.     He also congratulated the municipal affairs ministers and mayors of cities on the occasion of Arab City Day. (QNA)