Civic leaders to converge in Amman today for Arab Towns Organisation meet

AMMAN — Under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah, the 18th General Conference of the Arab Towns Organisation (ATO) will start on Monday at Al Hussein Centre under the title "sustainable towns, stronger partnership". 

The two-day conference will mark a “new start” for joint Arab efforts, Amman Mayor Yousef Shawarbeh said, noting that hosting such an event in Amman reflects the Kingdom's intention to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and support Arab cities, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Secretary General of the ATO Ahmed Subaih said that the conference and the accompanying events, including holding the 56th session of the Executive Council, will enrich the dialogue between the leaders, heads and mayors of Arab cities and municipalities as well as researchers participating in the Amman-based conference, Petra reported.

Highlighting the ATO's international and regional partnerships with organisations in dealing with the issues centred on cities and population, Subaih said that the ATO makes use of these collaborations in its training programmes to increase the expertise of workers in Arab municipalities.