Ibn Tofail University Brings Together Leading Arab Experts at the Forum on Sustainable and Smart Cities in Kenitra

 Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra hosted the Arab Forum on Sustainable and Smart Cities and Urban Construction Technologies, bringing together distinguished academic and institutional figures from several Arab countries. The scientific event provided a platform for exchanging expertise and exploring the future of Arab cities in light of digital transformation and sustainable development.

The opening session was attended by Professor Ebn Touhami Mohamed, President of Ibn Tofail University, who highlighted the university’s commitment to advancing scientific research, strengthening its regional and international partnerships, and promoting academic cooperation in the fields of smart cities and sustainability, in line with global developments in urban planning and technology.

Professor Mohamed Sanad Abu Darwish, Director of the Department of Science and Scientific Research at the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), emphasized the strategic role of Arab academic institutions in fostering effective scientific partnerships and enhancing education and research systems to address the challenges of future cities.

The opening ceremony also featured Karim Hamidouch, Secretary-General of the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, and Nesrine Namrouqa, Director General of the Arab Smart Cities Forum, who underscored the importance of innovation and technology in building more sustainable, resilient, and efficient Arab cities.

The event included the signing of several memoranda of understanding between Ibn Tofail University and participating Arab universities and institutions, aimed at expanding academic and scientific cooperation and promoting the exchange of expertise and research in the fields of smart cities and sustainable construction.

Throughout the forum, participants discussed a range of key topics, including sustainable urban planning, smart buildings, intelligent resource management, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and leading Arab experiences in urban innovation.

The forum concluded with a set of recommendations calling for stronger Arab academic cooperation, enhanced scientific research, and a shared vision for the development of smart cities and sustainable urban construction.

Participants also affirmed that hosting this major regional event reflects Ibn Tofail University’s growing academic reputation and its role in promoting knowledge production and strengthening cooperation among Arab universities.