Building capacity in Riyadh with the UNDP

Urban Purpose is delighted to be providing technical advisory to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for a capacity building programme in the municipality of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, supporting the ambitions of this fast-evolving city.

Saudi Vision 2023: a roadmap for change

Saudi Arabia is undergoing major transformational economic and social change, driven by the Saudi Vision 2030 – an ambitious roadmap that aims to build a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive future.

Launched in 2016, the vision is founded on three pillars – 1) a vibrant society; 2) a thriving economy; and 3) an ambitious nation — that draw on the country’s intrinsic strengths.

As the capital city, Riyadh must support this substantial growth with effective and efficient infrastructure-related facilities and public services by integrating business strategies, technology and people.

The municipality is expected to significantly increase its population to a projected 12+ million people by 2030 while increasing visitor numbers to more than 40 million, diversifying its economy and enhancing the well-being and quality of life of its citizens.

The TARA programme: building capacity in Riyadh

Urban Purpose is pleased to be advising the TARA programme – ‘Technical Assistance to the Riyadh Amanah’ (municipality) – which has the strategic aim of enabling Riyadh to fulfil its mandate across four key areas of cooperation:

ensuring the Mayor’s Office has access to international best practices in urban development
enabling Riyadh municipality to effectively use big data and evidence to support informed decision making on policy and strategy, infrastructure development and service provision
creating public-private partnerships (PPPs) actively involved in infrastructure development and service delivery
increasing and strengthening community and voluntary engagement through local bodies and digital channels
Urban Purpose will be supporting the TARA programme as it seeks to shape and appoint an advisory board to the Mayor, organise upskilling and training opportunities for municipality staff, and arrange a global schedule of international study trips to learn cutting-edge urban development policies and practices first-hand.

Contact us below to learn more or ask about our advisory services.