The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Faculty of Languages, Arts and Humanities at Ibn Zohr University, in Agadir, Morocco, and the Moroccan National Research Center hold the International Symposium “Urban Climate between Urbanization and Climate Change Risks,” which kicked off today (February 21, 2022). The three-day event is organized within the framework of the activities of ICESCO Argan Tree Chair to explore the role of cities in environment preservation.

The symposium saw the participation of Mr. Abdelaziz Bendou, Rector of Ibn Zohr University, and Mr. Abdelkhaleq Jayed, Dean of the Faculty of Languages, Arts and Humanities at Ibn Zohr University, in addition to the research team on spaces, societies, environment, planning and development at the University.

In his speech at the symposium, held both at the headquarters of Ibn Zohr University, in Agadir, and via videoconference, Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of Science and Technology Sector at ICESCO, highlighted the need to strengthen ways of cooperation to confront environmental degradation in urban areas, develop urban expansion plans that take the environmental dimension into account. “The growing population density in many cities around the world will worsen air pollution and contribute to global warming and other environmental damage, which will negatively affect the quality of life in cities,” he added.

During the plenary session, Dr. Fouad El-Aini, Expert at Science and Technology Sector at ICESCO, reviewed the efforts and activities of the Organization on smart and sustainable cities to support the Member States in combating climate change and contributing to the use of smart, innovative and sustainable methods.

During the workshops, Dr. Ismail Diallo, Expert at Science and Technology Sector at ICESCO, made a presentation on “The Role of Forests in Enhancing Cities’ Resilience.”

The first day’s agenda includes a plenary session and a workshop on urban climate: history, evolution, tools, techniques and research methods, as well as a second workshop on cities’ impact on climate.