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The Mayor of Medina Region and CEO of the Regional Development Authority launched the “Tawasul” event titled “Beyond Shelter: Data-Driven Housing for Quality of Life Improvement,” organized by the Regional Development Authority in partnership with the Municipality of the Region and supported by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, as part of the 13th World Urban Forum held in Baku, Azerbaijan. During the opening speech, it was emphasized that the global challenge in the housing sector is no longer about increasing housing supply, but about transforming cities into more livable, inclusive, and sustainable environments. It was noted that the true value of housing is not measured by the number of housing units, but by its ability to enable residents to access services and enhance quality of life within an integrated urban environment. The city of Medina has adopted a data-driven urban model through the “Manara Urban Data Platform,” which connects housing with quality of life by analyzing urban indicators and geospatial data at the neighborhood level, supporting decision-making and promoting sustainable urban development. The “Tawasul” event highlighted the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships to develop efficient and sustainable housing systems, and the need to measure the success of housing policies based on quality of life and city livability, alongside the integration of urban planning strategies with sustainable housing and community concepts, relying on local studies and a comprehensive approach to developing sustainable solutions. The first panel discussion, titled “From Policies to Impact: Delivering Housing Systems through Partnerships,” featured the Secretary-General of the United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia Section, the Deputy Mayor of Medina Region for Strategy and Transformation, and the General Manager of Projects in Medina Region at the National Housing Company, moderated by the representative of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in Saudi Arabia. The event included a presentation titled “From Data to Decisions: The Manara Urban Data Platform as a Decision Support System for Sustainable Urban Development,” delivered by the General Manager of the Urban Observatory and Geospatial Information Center at the Regional Development Authority, showcasing the platform’s role in supporting urban analysis and data-driven development decision-making. The second panel discussion, titled “Built to Last: Resilient Housing for Thriving Urban Life,” discussed the importance of developing flexible housing systems capable of adapting to climate and urban changes, featuring the Head of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in Egypt, an international expert in housing and urban development, and the General Manager of the Decision Support Center at the Regional Development Authority. The event concluded with a closing speech delivered by the Executive Director of Data and Innovation at the Regional Development Authority, emphasizing the importance of utilizing data and innovation in developing urban policies, enhancing quality of life, and building more sustainable and resilient cities for the future, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Medina

Medina, also known as Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, is a city in western Saudi Arabia that holds immense significance in Islam as the second holiest city after Mecca. It was the destination of the Prophet Muhammad’s Hijrah (migration) from Mecca in 622 CE, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar, and it became the capital of the early Muslim community. The city is home to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), which contains his tomb and remains a major pilgrimage site for Muslims worldwide.

Baku

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a historic port city located on the Caspian Sea, with roots dating back to ancient times. It flourished as a key center for the Zoroastrian religion and later the oil boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which transformed it into a modern industrial hub. Today, Baku is known for its UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher), featuring the iconic Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah’s Palace, alongside futuristic architecture like the Flame Towers.
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Medina

Medina, in Saudi Arabia, is the second holiest city in Islam, after Mecca. It is famously the site of the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb and the location of the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque). Historically, it was the city that welcomed Muhammad and his followers during the Hijrah in 622 CE, marking a pivotal moment in Islamic history.

Baku

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, located on the Caspian Sea coast. Its history dates back to ancient times, with the walled Inner City (Icherisheher) containing landmarks like the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah’s Palace. In the modern era, Baku became a major oil hub in the 19th and 20th centuries, driving rapid growth and the development of its distinctive architecture.

Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi)

The Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) in Medina, Saudi Arabia, is the second holiest site in Islam, originally built by the Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE shortly after his migration from Mecca. It served as his home, a community center, and a place of worship, and it now houses his tomb beneath the famous Green Dome. Over centuries, the mosque has undergone major expansions, including by the Umayyads, Ottomans, and most recently the Saudi government, to accommodate millions of pilgrims who visit each year.

Old City (Icherisheher)

The Old City, or Icherisheher, is a historic core of Baku, Azerbaijan, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dating back to at least the 7th century, it features medieval architecture like the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, reflecting a rich history of Persian, Islamic, and local influences. Enclosed by defensive walls, it remains a vibrant cultural and tourist destination.

Maiden Tower

The Maiden Tower is a iconic landmark located in Baku, Azerbaijan, with origins dating back to the 12th century, though its exact purpose remains debated. Historically, it served as a defensive fortification and later as a lighthouse, and it is shrouded in local legends, including a tragic tale of a princess who jumped from its top to escape an unwanted marriage. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Baku’s ancient history and architectural heritage.

Shirvanshah’s Palace

The Shirvanshah’s Palace in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a 15th-century architectural complex that served as the royal residence of the Shirvanshah dynasty. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, it includes a palace, mosque, mausoleum, and bathhouse, showcasing the pinnacle of medieval Azerbaijani architecture. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace survived earthquakes and invasions, reflecting the region’s rich cultural and political history.

Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are a trio of skyscrapers in Baku, Azerbaijan, designed to resemble flickering flames, a symbol of the country’s historical association with fire and its nickname, the “Land of Fire.” Completed in 2012, they house a hotel, residential apartments, and office spaces, and are illuminated at night with LED displays that simulate moving fire. The towers stand as a modern landmark, reflecting Azerbaijan’s blend of ancient Zoroastrian fire worship heritage and contemporary urban development.

United Nations Human Settlements Programme

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a UN agency established in 1978 to promote socially and environmentally sustainable cities and towns. Its history stems from the first UN conference on human settlements in 1976 (Habitat I), which recognized rapid urbanization as a global challenge. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, it works to improve housing, reduce urban poverty, and guide urban policy worldwide.