WeGO Makes Its Mark in the Middle East at Annual Investment Meeting in Abu Dhabi
Seoul, May 5, 2024 – WeGO is set to make its appearance in the Middle East at the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) 2024, taking place from May 7th to 9th in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Hosted by the Annual Investment Meeting Foundation, this year’s AIM theme is “Adapting to a Shifting Investment Landscape: Harnessing New Potential for Global Economic Development.”
The Middle East is rapidly advancing its smart city initiatives with substantial investments. WeGO’s mission trip to Abu Dhabi aims to bolster its regional presence by forging strong ties within the area. Meetings are planned with Abu Dhabi Municipality, Dubai Municipality, Dubai EXPO, and Masdar City to explore collaboration opportunities, particularly in connecting with smart cities across the Middle East. Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s flagship smart city project, aims for zero emissions and zero waste, positioning itself as a model for self-sufficient smart cities.
During the upcoming event, WeGO is set to host the official MENA Regional Office Opening Ceremony in Abu Dhabi, aimed at promoting WeGO’s vision and smart city initiatives across the region. Distinguished guests and high-level officials will include H.E. Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities & Transport, UAE and Mayor of Seoul, Oh Se-hoon, President of WeGO will grace the occasion. In addition, esteemed attendees such as the Mayor of Makati and the Mayor of Ramallah, the Executive Director of Kampala, the Deputy Mayor of Abuja (representing WeGO’s African Regional Office), and the Secretary General of Tunis will be present to mark the opening ceremony. The MENA Regional Office endeavors to enhance its network by involving both current and prospective local government members, establishing platforms for sharing knowledge and best practices tailored to the unique needs and approaches of the MENA region.
At AIM 2024, WeGO will co-host a City Mayors’ Roundtable on Smart Cities in partnership with UN-Habitat. WeGO member cities from MENA, Africa, Asia-Pacific region represented by mayors will participate in this roundtable. WeGO members from around the globe, including Abu Dhabi, Abuja, Accra, Dakar, Grozny, Kampala, Makati, Quelimane, Ramallah, Seoul, and Tunis will join the City Mayors’ Roundtable. The session aims to foster an engaging dialogue on innovative approaches to smart city development.
WeGO Secretary-General will participate as a panelist in the Global Leaders Debate, “The Future Paradigm Shift: Future Investment Opportunities to Foster Sustainable Economic Growth, Diversity, and Prosperity.” The discussion will explore the intersection of disruptive technology, climate change, and geopolitical tensions in shaping the economy.
About WeGO
The World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO), is a membership-based international association of local governments, smart tech solution providers, and institutions committed to the transformation of cities into smart sustainable cities through facilitating public-private partnerships (PPP). WeGO was founded by 50 member cities in 2010 as the World e-Governments Organization, hence our acronym. In response to the evolving concept of smart cities, WeGO expanded its vision and mandate at the 7th General Assembly (2017) and its name to the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization. WeGO’s Secretariat is based in Seoul, Korea, and has regional offices in East Asia (Chengdu, China), the Mediterranean (Beyoglu, Turkey), Africa (Abuja, Nigeria), Middle East & North Africa (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), Latin America (Cuenca, Ecuador), and Central Asia (Almaty, Kazakhstan). As the leading platform on smart city development, WeGO’s mission is to share knowledge and good practices in e-Governance; strengthen administrative efficiency and transparency; advance digital capacity; facilitate civic involvement; bridge the digital divide and inequality; and promote cooperation solidarity among cities and local governments around the world.
WeGO serves for its members as their international platform to improve the quality of life, innovate in the delivery of public services, and strengthen regional competitiveness.
Press Contact:
Name: Kakim Danabayev
E-mail: kakim@we-gov.org
Phone: +82-70-4202-9169