Setting the Stage for Land Governance Transformation

In a rapidly urbanizing Arab region facing pressing challenges such as climate change, land scarcity, forced displacement, and governance gaps, the Third Arab Land Conference convened in Morocco to chart a path forward. Ministers, international experts, and key stakeholders gathered to discuss sustainable land governance, investment-driven solutions, and inclusive policies to foster stability, economic growth, and social equity.

The opening session framed the critical discussions that would follow over the next three days. It underscored how robust land governance systems are essential not only for managing rapid urban expansion but also for addressing inequality, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation in land management.

Key Takeaways from the Opening Session

1. Morocco’s Commitment to Land Reforms and Urban Development

The conference opened with Mr. Adib Ben-Brahim, Morocco’s Minister in charge of Habitat and City Administration Management, welcoming participants and reaffirming Morocco’s dedication to land governance, investment promotion, and housing reforms.

“60% of the Arab population currently lives in urban areas, and this figure is expected to reach 70% in the coming years. This presents significant challenges for Arab cities, particularly in ensuring access to affordable housing, securing land rights, and managing urban expansion in a sustainable manner.”

Ben-Brahim detailed Morocco’s legal and regulatory reforms, including digitalization of land records, incentives for youth housing projects, and improved transparency in land transactions. He emphasized that the country’s revised legal frameworks and government-backed financial mechanisms aim to create a more accessible, fair, and sustainable land sector.

2. The Arab League’s Regional Framework for Sustainable Land Management

Mahmoud Fathallah, Director of Housing and Urban Development at the League of Arab States, highlighted the regional cooperation efforts to harmonize land management policies and address climate-related land challenges.

“Arab states face numerous land-related challenges, including desertification, water scarcity, and housing shortages. Our 2016 Arab Strategy for Habitat and Sustainable Development provides a framework for regional cooperation to implement effective, technology-driven land policies.”

Fathallah called for greater intergovernmental collaboration, investment in infrastructure, and stronger enforcement of land tenure policies to promote socioeconomic stability and economic growth across the region.

3. The Role of International Cooperation in Advancing Land Governance

Representing Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Sebastian Wilde spoke about Germany’s long-standing support for land governance in the Arab region.

“Land tenure security is not just about property rights—it is about social peace, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability. Addressing land governance means addressing social inequalities, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized communities.”

Wilde stressed that land governance is central to addressing climate change, urban sprawl, and food insecurity. He praised the Arab Land Initiative for fostering regional dialogue and highlighted Germany’s commitment to strengthening land administration systems through digital innovation and legal reforms.

4. Digital Transformation and Smart Land Governance

Sukaina Al Nasrawi, Lead of Sustainable Urban Development at ESCWA (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia), emphasized the power of digital tools in transforming land governance.

“Technology—particularly digital land registries, smart mapping, and artificial intelligence—can help governments increase transparency, combat corruption, and ensure equitable land access.”

She introduced ESCWA’s initiatives, such as the Leaders’ Academy for Arab Cities, which focuses on capacity-building for urban planners and policymakers. She also urged governments to accelerate the adoption of digital tools to improve land governance efficiency and accessibility.

5. Aligning Land Governance with Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Joan Kagwanja addressed the critical urban-rural divide in land management and its implications for economic development.

“By 2050, most of the Arab and African population will reside in urban areas. Securing land rights for women, youth, and smallholder farmers is essential for achieving both the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”

She called for innovative approaches to land governance that integrate climate resilience, agricultural development, and economic transformation.

6. UN-Habitat’s Strategy for Sustainable Land and Housing Policies

Rania Hedeya, UN-Habitat’s Resident Representative for the Arab States, highlighted the growing inequality in land and housing access across the region.

“A quarter of the Arab region’s population still lives in informal settlements. Unless we adopt efficient, people-centered planning approaches, urban growth will continue to exacerbate social disparities.”

Hedeya introduced UN-Habitat’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, which focuses on expanding digital land management systems, implementing smart urban policies, and strengthening governance mechanisms to enhance housing security and sustainable development.

7. Somalia’s Land Governance Journey: Overcoming Conflict and Building Resilience

Mr. Elim Mohamud Nor, Somalia’s Minister of Planning and Urban Development, shared Somalia’s experience in rebuilding land governance systems after decades of conflict.

“Somalia has struggled for decades with informal settlements, displacement, and land conflicts. Today, we are working toward formalizing land tenure rights, adopting digital land administration tools, and creating policies that ensure fairness and inclusion.”

His intervention underscored Somalia’s resilience in post-conflict reconstruction, emphasizing the need for strong institutions and international cooperation to secure land tenure rights and facilitate urban planning.

Key Conclusions and Next Steps

The Opening Session of the Third Arab Land Conference reaffirmed that land governance is at the heart of economic and social transformation in the Arab region. Key takeaways include:

• Strengthening land tenure security for women, youth, and marginalized communities to foster inclusive economic development.
• Leveraging digital tools such as GIS mapping, AI, and blockchain to enhance transparency and efficiency in land administration.
• Promoting regional collaboration between Arab, African, and global partners to address shared challenges such as desertification, housing shortages, and informal settlements.
• Balancing urban and rural land governance to ensure sustainable investment, food security, and economic diversification.
• Aligning national land policies with climate resilience, economic development, and smart urban planning strategies.

As discussions continue over the next three days, stakeholders will dive deeper into technical solutions, policy frameworks, and innovative financing models to advance sustainable land governance across the Arab world.