Sheikh Ibrahim arrives in Rabat for Fourth UCLG congress

Governor of Al-Ahmadi Governorate, Kuwait, Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah arrived here on Sunday, leading Kuwait's delegation to the Fourth World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders. The gathering, organized by the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) under auspices of Moroccan King Mohammad VI, will kick off on Tuesday, October 1 and last until October 4. Speaking to KUNA upon his arrival at the Rabat-Sale Airport, Sheikh Ibahim expressed joy for attending this global event and having the chance to meet Moroccan municipal leaders. "Kuwait partakes in this gathering for the first time. We hope to share experience with the other participants in the areas of local government, the democratic decentralized administration of cities and sustainable development, " he said. "We hope to be able to discuss with municipal leaders from around the globe, notably Rabat Mayor and Morocco's ex-minister of finance Fatehallah Wal'ow, the best practices in the municipal affairs," he pointed out. Such gatherings provides an ample opportunity for local and regional leaders to network and twin their respective cities and regions with each other, Sheikh Ibrahim said, noting that Al-Hamadi is twinned with several Arab and foreign cities. He commended the organizers of the event for the good preparations and constant contacts with the participants, which, he said, ensures the complete success for the event. The four-day event, themed "Imagine Society - Build Democracy," is to bring together over 3,000 local and regional leaders; it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the international municipal movement. The conferees are scheduled to discuss a host of issues including ways to promote development of territories, ensure solidarity and sustainability, foster well-being, manage diversity and solidarity between different communities, and shape the future of urban development. They will also assess the progress made by their respective cities towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for the post-2015 era and the agenda for Habitat III in 2016. Sheikh Ibrahim and his party were received by Kuwait Ambassador to Morocco Shamlan Abdulaziz Al-Roumi and other diplomats.