Kuwait city: Kuwait Municipality announced Wednesday the nomination of Bader Al-Ajeel as Secretary-General of the Arab Towns Organization (ATO). This decision follows the approval of representatives from Arab cities participating in the organization's extraordinary Executive Council meeting, which was conducted via videoconference at the request of Kuwait Municipality, the permanent host country.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the meeting was specifically convened to deliberate on Kuwait's nomination of Al-Ajeel for the position of the organization's new Secretary-General. This move aligns with the government's aim to bolster the organization's performance and fortify its role. The Municipality highlighted that Al-Ajeel, as the host country's nominee, brings extensive experience to the table. Having joined ATO in 2017, he has gained significant expertise in urban planning and development, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of municipal and developmental issues in both local and Arab contexts.
In his remarks to KUNA, Al-Ajeel emphasized that the responsibility extends beyond developing programs and initiatives. It involves redefining the organization's role and reinforcing its status as a center of expertise, a knowledge repository, and a regional authority in urban affairs. He highlighted the importance of ongoing efforts to create platforms for experience exchange and capacity building across Arab cities, empowering them to actively shape the future.
Al-Ajeel also pointed out the necessity of enhancing the organization's financial sustainability and diversifying its revenue streams. This approach is essential to support the organization's ability to execute programs and fulfill the needs of Arab institutions, ensuring they receive the support and empowerment they merit.
The Arab Towns Organization, founded on March 15, 1967, and based in Kuwait City, is an Arab regional non-governmental organization focused on municipal and urban affairs.