Event : 1- 3 July, 2026
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, Ibn Tofail University hosted the Arab Forum on Sustainable and Smart Cities and Arab Construction Technologies from 1 to 3 July 2026 at its campus in Kenitra. The forum was organized in partnership with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and in collaboration with the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, bringing together distinguished academics, policymakers, engineers, researchers, and institutional leaders from across the Arab world.
The forum represents a landmark achievement in strengthening regional academic cooperation and advancing a shared Arab vision for sustainable urban development. It reflects Ibn Tofail University’s strategic commitment to fostering international partnerships, promoting interdisciplinary research, and contributing to the development of innovative solutions to the complex environmental, technological, and urban challenges facing cities across the region.
The opening ceremony was marked by expressions of appreciation for the High Patronage granted by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, underscoring the national significance of the initiative and Morocco’s leadership in promoting sustainable development and regional scientific collaboration. The event also witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Ibn Tofail University and leading Arab universities, laying the foundation for long-term academic and scientific cooperation in higher education, engineering, research, innovation, and capacity building.
Throughout the three-day forum, participants engaged in high-level scientific presentations, panel discussions, and technical exchanges addressing some of the most pressing issues shaping the future of Arab cities. Discussions focused on sustainable urban planning, smart city governance, green transformation, digital technologies, resilient infrastructure, environmentally responsible construction methods, and the preservation of Arab architectural heritage within rapidly evolving urban environments. Particular emphasis was placed on integrating digital innovation with cultural identity to create inclusive, resilient, and climate-responsive cities capable of meeting future societal needs.
The forum also highlighted the importance of harmonizing engineering curricula and strengthening academic cooperation among Arab higher education institutions. Through the exchange of expertise, best practices, and research findings, participants explored opportunities to develop common educational standards, promote collaborative research projects, and prepare a new generation of highly qualified engineers and urban planners equipped with the knowledge and skills required to address emerging regional and global challenges.
By bringing together experts, decision-makers, and academic leaders from across the Arab world, the forum established a dynamic platform for scientific dialogue and strategic cooperation. The agreements concluded during the event are expected to stimulate joint research initiatives, academic mobility, innovation ecosystems, and knowledge transfer, thereby reinforcing the role of universities as catalysts for sustainable development and regional integration.
This prestigious event further consolidates Ibn Tofail University’s position as a leading institution in scientific diplomacy and international academic engagement. It demonstrates the University’s ability to convene influential stakeholders around strategic themes of global importance while contributing to Morocco’s vision of strengthening South-South and Arab cooperation through higher education, research, and innovation.
The Arab Forum strongly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By promoting excellence in engineering education and scientific capacity building, it advances, Quality Education. Its emphasis on innovation, advanced construction technologies, and sustainable infrastructure contributes to Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Through its focus on resilient urban planning, smart governance, and sustainable urban transformation, the forum directly supports Sustainable Cities and Communities and Climate Action by encouraging climate-responsive urban solutions and environmentally sustainable development. Most importantly, the event embodies Partnerships for the Goals by strengthening academic networks, fostering cross-border scientific collaboration, and building a unified Arab platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and sustainable urban development.
