United Nations Development Programme Supports Saudi Urban Transport Conference In Riyadh

Online, January 18, 2012 (Newswire.com) - In over 190 countries, UNDP focuses on helping partners build and share solutions to development challenges. UNDP has been present in Saudi Arabia since 1965, supporting hundreds of projects over almost 50 years in various areas such as public administration and effective governance, economic diversification and poverty reduction, energy and environment, and social empowerment of youth and women. As noted by the 9th National Development Plan (2010-14), developed through UNDP technical assistance, there are a number of challenges to ensure the sustainability of the Kingdom's development gains.

UNDP support to the transport sector has involved a joint project with the Ministry of Transport in which UNDP provides international experts for development of a National Transport Strategy and related policies along with various capacity development activities to ensure its implementation. "Passage of the NTS is an important foundation for achieving sustainable development in the Kingdom. With large infrastructure projects coming online in coming years, a need exists for more integrated planning at national and city levels; new regulatory frameworks for aviation, maritime and road safety and alignment with global standards; expanding inter-city connectivity and rail options; expanding access to transport for the disabled; and establishing emissions regulations, improved energy efficiency and environmental impact assessment policies for transport sector" said Kishan Khoday, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Riyadh.
The event comes at a crucial time, following recent passage of the new NTS. The event will explore strategic partnerships for its implementation, and look at integrating alternative modes of transport in order to meet Saudi Arabia's future transport needs. UNDP Senior Programme Associate, Asim Salah will chair the two day conference which will involve speeches and presentation by a variety of leading institutions and private sector partners including the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, the Saudi Railway Company, representatives from leading private sector firms and local Governments across the Kingdom.

The Saudi Urban Transport Conference is sponsored by Solaris and Parsons Brinckerhoff.

For more information visit www.saudiurbantransportation.com or email [email protected]