Sustainable Middle Eastern Cities

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh
As the Chair of the Consortium for Sustainable Urbanization, I am deeply concerned about the challenges posed by rapid, uncontrolled urbanization across the Middle East. Urban growth, often unplanned and haphazard, has far-reaching consequences for our societies, economies, and the environment.
An example of this is in Lebanon, a country where nearly 90% of the population live in urban areas that face a complex web of crises. Over the past decade, it has grappled with an influx of over 1.5 million refugees, economic instability, and political paralysis. These challenges have strained public services, infrastructure, and resources, particularly in cities where the majority of refugees have settled.

The UN-Habitat-ESCWA ‘State of the Lebanese Cities Report’ sheds light on the situation, analyzing ten cities across 19 themes, revealing stark inequalities in access to services and infrastructure. Unplanned urban expansion exacerbates these disparities, affecting housing, water, sanitation, and other essential rights. The report underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure citizens' well-being.

Lebanon’s experience is not unique. Across the Middle East, cities face similar challenges, with explosive urban growth often outpacing planning efforts, pushing existing infrastructure over its limits. Cities that host a significant portion of the population, Palestinian refugees and displaced Syrians, have not seen their infrastructure improved.

The strain on urban infrastructure is immense, exacerbated by economic crises and currency devaluation, with uncontrolled urbanization leading to environmental degradation, air pollution, and inadequate waste management. These factors harm public health and exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Unequal access to services, housing, and job opportunities perpetuates social divisions, with overburdened roads, inadequate public transportation, while insufficient water and sanitation systems hinder sustainable development.

To secure our future, we must prioritize sustainable urbanization. We need comprehensive urban planning that considers social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Collaboration between government, civil society, and private sectors is crucial, along with smart investments in transportation, water supply, and waste management, where public-private partnerships can help bridge funding gaps.

Ensuring access to decent housing for all is a fundamental right. Affordable housing policies and innovative solutions can address this challenge. Urban green spaces improve quality of life and enhance resilience. Green areas and sustainable architecture should be integral to our cities, engaging citizens in decision-making that fosters ownership and ensures that urban development meets their needs.

Lebanon’s journey towards sustainable urbanization is a reflection of the journey of many Arab countries on the road towards sustainable urbanization. As we navigate complex crises, we must seize the moment to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities, as our collective efforts today will shape the future for generations to come.