Third Arab Land Conference E-Library
This E-Library serves as a comprehensive repository of knowledge, research, and best practices on land governance in the Arab region. As part of the Conference’s commitment to fostering knowledge sharing and capacity building, this digital platform provides open access to key resources, including research papers, technical reports, case studies and presentations showcased and discussed during the Third Arab Land Conference.
The materials in this e-library reflect the diverse perspectives and expertise shared during the Conference, covering topics such as innovation and smart solutions for land management, property registration, and sustainable investments; housing, land and property solutions for displacement and crisis; women and land; land for adequate housing and slum transformation; land for food security and climate action; unlocking the potential of the private sector, and land-based financing solutions, and more.
The presentations and resources are organized according to the titles of the relevant sessions and they will be uploaded on this page progressively, as soon as they become available.
Opening session
During the opening session of the Third Arab Land Conference, ministers from across the Arab region address the urgent need for robust land governance and sustainable management solutions. They highlight the challenges posed by climate change, resource scarcity, and conflicts, and demonstrate how inclusive policies and equitable access to land and housing foster social stability and economic growth. This inaugural discussion sets the tone for the conference, emphasizing the critical importance of cooperation among governments, civil society, and international partners to ensure long-term resilience and prosperity in the Arab region.
High Level Session 1: Land sector innovation for sustainable investments and housing
Technological advances and smart solutions for improving data quality and transparency have enabled many countries to modernize land management, land development, and construction in a relatively short period. Tools such as GIS, 3D cadastres, and AI can safeguard residents’ rights in urban areas, address urban sprawl, and spur growth in real estate markets.
During this session, ministers and high-level representatives will share their insights on harnessing these innovations to promote sustainable investments and housing. Discussions will focus on how digital transformation in the land sector can enhance land tenure security, boost economic growth, and foster collaborative policy frameworks. The aim is to showcase the critical role of advanced digital solutions in shaping a land sector that more effectively supports development and housing opportunities, while also addressing key social, economic, and environmental challenges facing urban and rural communities.
By exchanging experiences and highlighting successes, participants will gain actionable ideas for implementing innovative strategies in their own contexts. These shared perspectives will underscore the importance of cooperation among governments, the private sector, and civil society in building resilient and inclusive land governance systems that drive sustainable development forward.
RESOURCES
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
Valuation of Unregistered Land: A Practice Manual
Land and Property Taxation in Fragile States
Land as a Cash Machine: The case of Lebanon
Fit-For-Purpose Land Administration: Guiding Principles for Country Implementation
Gestion Foncière Adaptée au Contexte : Lignes Directrices pour la Mise en Œuvre dans les Pays
Where to Start? A Guide to Land-based Finance in Local Governance
Urban-Rural Land Linkages: A Concept and Framework for Action
High Level Session 2: Land management in time of crisis
The Arab region faces multiple stress factors that challenge its socio-economic development and increase its vulnerability to conflict. Climate change and freshwater scarcity present urgent threats: by 2030, declining precipitation, rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers may reduce renewable water resources by up to 20%. Desertification and land degradation continue to intensify, driven by inadequate management of rangelands and fragile dryland ecosystems. These trends affect food security and disrupt the livelihoods of agricultural and pastoral communities. Effective approaches to land and resource management are critical for mitigating these impacts and bolstering communities’ resilience.
Over the past years, the region has also been increasingly affected by violent conflicts, leaving around 50 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and forcing over 15 million people to flee their homes (UNHCR, 2019). While conflicts have root causes beyond land management, good land policies and practices can help stabilize societies by establishing sustainable and inclusive land-use patterns, strengthening peace, and stimulating local economic development. Equitable sharing of land resources, protecting land rights, providing affordable and adequate housing, and setting up effective land administration systems are essential steps in preventing future crises and sustaining peace. Another pressing concern is the region’s high rate of urbanization. Nearly 60% of the population live in urban areas, and over a quarter of them, about 82 million people—reside in informal settlements or slums. Such conditions heighten vulnerability to various crises and underscore the need for better urban planning, affordable housing solutions, and the upgrading of informal settlements. In addition, macroeconomic instability, namely high budget deficits, increased debts, and hyperinflation rates, leave a very limited fiscal space to finance urban development programs. Financial crises also reduce public and private investment in sustainable urban development and land projects, leading to unsustainable exploitation of resources.
Addressing these challenges through improved land management can reduce fragility, promote resilience, and foster sustainable socio-economic growth in the Arab region.
RESOURCES
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
Guidance Note of the Secretary General on “The United Nations and Land and Conflict”
Policy Directions: Housing, Land and Property Solutions to Resolve and Prevent Displacement
Durable Housing, Land and Property Solutions for Customary Displacement Contexts
Land Governance, Natural Resources, and Climate Change in the Arab region
Land Degradation and Conflict: Case studies from Sudan, Jordan and Niger
Land Tenure and Climate Vulnerability
Land Administration System in Syria: Analysis and Recommendations
Guidance Note on Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration for Syria
Guidance Note on the Application of the Social Tenure Domain Model in Syria
Land Governance and Land Rights in Palestine Analysis and Recommendations
Land Administration and Land Rights for Peace and Development in Libya
Legislative and Administrative Land and Property Rights Framework in Lebanon
Darfur Land Administration Assessment Report
How to Do a Root Cause Analysis of Land and Conflict for Peace Building
Land and Conflict: Lessons from the Field on Conflict Sensitive Land Governance and Peacebuilding
Land and Conflict in Jubaland: Root Cause Analysis and Recommendations
High Level Session 3: Women and land
In this high-level session, policymakers and leaders from across the region will spotlight the transformative power of women’s secure access to land, housing, and other vital resources. Evidence shows that when women possess clear and protected tenure rights, household welfare improves, educational opportunities expand, and community stability grows. Secure tenure also empowers women to participate more actively in decision-making processes, both in their families and in broader political forums—an essential factor in driving equitable development.
The session will also shed the light on encouraging examples of progress across the Arab region. From the codification of inheritance rights to inclusive land administration practices, these positive developments illustrate the transformative potential of ensuring women’s tenure rights. By bringing together ministers and stakeholders, this session aims to advance practical, inclusive solutions that empower women, promote equitable development, and contribute to long-lasting peace.
The panelist will discuss how these benefits become even more critical during conflicts or crises, when women often assume greater economic and caregiving responsibilities. By mitigating vulnerability to violence and leveraging women’s leadership in peace processes, secure land rights can foster enduring social cohesion. Participants will examine both persistent challenges—such as gender-discriminatory norms, unequal power dynamics, and limited institutional support—and emerging success stories, including legal reforms that uphold inheritance rights and land administration practices that explicitly account for women’s perspectives.
Through collaborative dialogue and policy commitments, the session aims to strengthen regional and national frameworks that advance women’s land rights. By embracing inclusive, evidence-based strategies, we can help shape an environment where every woman, family, and community can thrive.Bottom of Form
RESOURCES
Land, Women and Socioeconomic Development in the Arab Region
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
Women and Land in the Muslim World
Women and Land in the Arab region and National Implementation in Lebanon, Tunisia and Libya
Key Messages on Women, Land and Peace
Training Guide: Advancing Women’s Land and Property Rights in the Somali Region
Investment pathways for ecosystem restoration in the Near East and North Africa
The Near East and North Africa (NENA) regions face significant environmental challenges that impact socio-economic development. Despite ongoing efforts, restoration initiatives to date have struggled to deliver impactful solutions. Many countries in the region face difficulties in turning their international commitments under the Rio Conventions into real action. Addressing these barriers requires mobilizing investments, fostering political commitment, and engaging communities at all levels.
This session will discuss in depth the importance of a regional investment framework—under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration—that aligns national development priorities with a comprehensive approach to ecosystem restoration. It will explore innovative partnerships and collaborative opportunities to support restoration projects across NENA, emphasizing solutions that address land tenure issues. Special attention will be given to empowering local communities and providing meaningful employment for women and youth, forming a foundation for sustainable restoration efforts. The session will present technical support mechanisms and facilitate dialogue on overcoming investment and policy challenges. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the NENA Regional Investment Framework, exchange and learn from success stories, and discuss and explore practical strategies for advancing restoration initiatives that balance environmental stewardship with socio-economic benefits.
RESOURCES
Reimagining Sustainable Returns on Investments_Haddad
Sustainable land and water management in the Mediterranean region_Centritto
Innovative solutions for land management, property registration
Secure land and property rights are fundamental to socio-economic development, enabling individuals and businesses to invest confidently, fueling private-sector growth through collateral-based lending, and supporting government revenue via property taxes. They also promote equity, strengthen women’s land rights, and reduce social tensions. Despite growing recognition of these benefits among Arab countries, challenges persist—legal and institutional frameworks are often fragmented, and digital land records may lack legal authority, jeopardizing tenure security and hampering effective land administration.
Many existing registration systems in the region remain outdated, prone to duplications, and slow to process transactions, further eroding trust in official records and limiting access to data for investments and financing. In response, this session highlights forward-looking tools and practices that enhance land management and administration and present successful case studies from around the Arab States. Discussions will include fit-for-purpose techniques, spatial planning, and strategic policy guidelines that align land governance with national development goals. Participants gain insights into common challenges facing Arab countries and explore practical solutions for modernizing land registration, streamlining processes, and fostering robust, transparent land and property markets.
RESOURCES
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
Fit-For-Purpose Land Administration: Guiding Principles for Country Implementation
Gestion Foncière Adaptée au Contexte : Lignes Directrices pour la Mise en Œuvre dans les Pays
Designing and Implementing a Pro-Poor Land Recordation System
Land as a Cash Machine: The Case of Lebanon
Valuation of Unregistered Land: A Practice Manual
Enhancing Land Administration for Egypt’s New Urban Communities_WB_Hussin
Land Data Bank and its integration_Palestine_Al Hamamda
Legislator role in maintaining real estate contractual transaction on map UAE
Upgrading Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration Systems in Bosaso
Emerging technologies for sustainable land management in the Comoros
Land as the basis for inclusive and resilient territorial development
This session, held at the Third Arab Land Conference, emphasizes on the strategic importance of land as a driver for inclusive and resilient territorial development. It will examine Moroccan approaches and initiatives that could serve as models for other Arab nations, with an emphasis on innovation and regional collaboration.
The session will cover strategic vision for spatial planning, analyzing land issues in Morocco in the context of increasing urbanization and territorial structuring; national land strategy, presenting the goals, governance frameworks, and strategic tools for addressing land challenges; land governance in North Africa, highlighting the contributions of the NELGA network to research and training for sustainable and responsible land management; and optimization through urban planning, exploring the role of urban planning instruments in achieving efficient and sustainable land management.
The session aims to identify innovative solutions that can be adapted to other regional contexts; foster regional cooperation to exchange experiences and develop practical recommendations; and raise awareness of the significance of land for equitable, sustainable, and inclusive territorial development. Ultimately, this session seeks to initiate in-depth discussions and encourage tangible commitments to sustainable and inclusive land management. The outcomes and conclusions of this session will have regional implications, contributing to the improvement of public policies and guiding investments towards innovative, resilient, and equitable solutions.
RESOURCES
The presentations and relevant resources for the session will be uploaded as soon as they become available.
Women and land
Across the Middle East and North Africa, women’s secure access to land is key to achieving broader economic, social, and developmental goals. When women have legally recognized tenure rights, household welfare improves, local economies become more resilient, and communities experience more inclusive growth. Yet persistent barriers—such as social norms, legal complexities, and gaps in institutional support—continue to limit many women’s control and ownership of land. This session will feature five technical papers exploring both challenges and innovative solutions in various contexts. Presenters will discuss policy efforts to enhance Moroccan women’s land access, analyze inheritance rights reforms in Egypt, highlight women-led agribusinesses in Gaza as a cornerstone of crisis recovery, examine multi-stakeholder platforms facilitating women’s land rights in Mauritania, and unpack the realities of women’s agricultural land access in Tunisia. By showcasing these experiences, the session aims to foster dialogue on how best to advance women’s land tenure security, strengthen their economic agency, and promote equitable, sustainable development across the region.
RESOURCES
Land, Women and Socioeconomic Development in the Arab Region
Women and Land in the Muslim World
Women and Land in the Arab region and National Implementation in Lebanon, Tunisia and Libya
Key Messages on Women, Land and Peace
Training Guide: Advancing Women’s Land and Property Rights in the Somali Region
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
Access to land for Moroccan Women in light of public policies efforts and challenges_Idrais
Opportunities and Challenges for advancing women’s land rights in Mauritania_Niang
Women’s access to agricultural land in Tunisia_Aribi
Women-Led Agribusinesses in Gaza as Pillars of Crisis Recovery and Resilience_Sourani
Lessons learnt on biodiversity and drought resilience: UNCBD & UNCCD COPs’ outcomes
The Arab countries are facing big challenges fighting climate change and preserve their biodiversity. The desertification of Arable land and lack of water is affecting the region food security. While the Rio convention is trying to address the two issues through the UNCBD and the UNCCD, land tenure component is the key to sustainability in these two elements.
At COP 16-UNCBD, governments tasked with reviewing the state of implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Parties to the Convention are expected to show the alignment of their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with the Framework. COP 16 will develop the monitoring framework and advance resource mobilization for the Global Biodiversity Framework, also due to finalize and operationalize the multilateral mechanism on the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources.
UNCCD COP16, are informed by the recommendations experts have drafted in the aftermath of Drought Resilience +10 guidance on core issues. With its 197 signatories, UNCCD is the only legally binding instrument that addresses land degradation and drought at the global level. The goal is mobilizing political, financial, and human capital to adequately anticipate, reduce, prepare for, and recover from drought risks. The objective is to communicate the messages and outcomes of these two events in an informative way to build synergies to mobilize resources and capacity to ensure secure tenure rights. Governments are expected to address their resilience in their National Action Plan. While NBSAP’s and NAPS’s are overlapping, the session will also aim to explain the two and distinguish between them. Highlighting the importance of centered land governance and tenure security as a key to make NBSAP’S and NAP’s work to realize their objectives.
RESOURCES
From data to decisions through AI-powered geospatial solution
In recent years, Egypt has encountered numerous challenges in enhancing government processes and services, particularly in urban planning and land management. These challenges arise from shifts in the national mapping environment—including multiple map sources, varying methodologies, scales, and projections—as well as inconsistencies in the associated attribute data. A key aspect of this challenge is achieving integration among all governmental organizations at the national level to produce Egypt’s first unified map.
This session will explore the benefits of employing a unified digital map across governmental authorities to reduce the costs and time associated with duplicate mapping efforts. It will also demonstrate how this approach aligns with the establishment of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and the implementation of the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF) at the national level.
Additionally, the session will examine the technology behind using aerial photographs and satellite images to create a unique 3D base map with distinct identifiers. Furthermore, it will highlight innovative partnerships and collaborative opportunities among stakeholders to support integration through the NSDI system. Finally, the session will showcase Egypt’s experience with national projects that leverage this system, including:
State Assets Management System
Spatial Change Detection System
Property Registration
Pre-Enumeration Stage of the Egypt Population Census 2027
Egypt Unique Property Identifiers Project (Unified National Number for Buildings, Streets, and Land Parcels) for Land Management and Sustainable Investments.
RESOURCES
From Satellites to Solutions_Smart Monitoring for change detection_JDaniel
Linking government agencies to NSDI, results and achievements
Subsidiaries projects of ENSDI EGYPT Unique Property Identifiers_Sharnoby
Subsidiaries projects of ENSDI Spatial Chnage Detection Center_WFattah
Terms, specifications and creation of base maps to achieve the NSDI objectives_Agag
Cross-country knowledge exchange in land governance projects
This session will showcase how a robust knowledge management component can leverage experiences from different themes, countries and regions, supporting diverese partners to further their respective projects by learning from each other. It will bring together land governance practitioners from Egypt, Iraq, Palestine and Somalia and touch upon several of the conference themes including HLP solutions for displacement and crisis, smart solutions for property registration, women and land as well as integrating the private sector into these efforts.
We will present experiences gained from the LAND-at-Scale program, encompassing 12 countries, from Colombia to the west and Iraq to the east. The programme aims to support the scaling up of land governance initiatives to drive more sustainable and efficient use of land and natural resources. Integrated in Land-at-Scale is a knowledge management component that enables knowledge exchange and creation across countries and contexts and supports adaptive programming measures.
The diversity of the panelists reflects the set up of the programme itself. You will take part of the experiences from LAND-at-scale country project partners, the donor as well as from one of the knowledge management focal points.
RESOURCES
Cross-country knowledge exchange in land governance_Land-at-Scale
Integrated geospatial information framework and land administration
The United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management had established within its ranks a subordinate Expert Group on Land Administration and Management, to advocate and raise awareness on the merits and benefits of effective and efficient land administration and management systems, and to formulate comprehensive policy guidance for reference by Member States.
The aim of the Masterclass is to introduce participants to the Effective Land Administration Framework, which aims to provide a reference and guidance for establishing, strengthening, coordinating and monitoring their land administration at the national or sub-national level. The Effective Land Administration Framework directly aligns with and implements the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF) for the land sector.
The session will be organzied in the following sections: Part 1 Integrated Geospatial Information Framework and FELA Presents the overall strategic framework and sets out the context and “why” geospatial information management needs to be strengthened, and why it is a critical element of national social, economic and environmental policies. It focuses on the role of geospatial information in the digital age. The overall strategic framework includes vision and mission statements, seven (7) core principles, eight (8) goals and nine (9) strategic objectives, aligned with national and global strategic frameworks.
Part 2: Implementing IGIF and FELA Presents the implementation guide and describes the “actions” that can be taken to strengthen geospatial information management. It provides information to design, plan, establish, implement and maintain integrated geospatial information frameworks at the national level.
Part 3: Country Action Plans Describes the country action plan and details the guiding principles, options and actions to be implemented at the national level, when and by whom. The country action plan includes the processes, templates and resources needed aligned with national priorities.
Part 4: Implementation Case Studies Presents examples of countries that have undertaken IGIF and FELA projects
Part 5: Discussion Participant intervention session and Q&A
RESOURCES
Case study - Egyptian Survey Authority
Integrated Geospatial Information Framework and FELA_M Timoulali
Housing, land and property solutions for displacement and crisis
Across the globe, conflict and disaster frequently drive large-scale displacement, threatening livelihoods and undermining secure tenure. The loss of housing, land, and property (HLP) rights exacerbates vulnerabilities and prolongs recovery, demanding urgent attention to integrated strategies that uphold dignity and promote sustainable solutions. This session addresses the critical need for effective housing, land, and property (HLP) solutions in displacement and crisis contexts, drawing attention to the widespread challenges faced by displaced communities across the Arab States. Housing and land rights lie at the heart of rebuilding efforts during and after conflicts, as they are integral to both economic recovery and stability. The session features a range of technical papers focused on HLP-related issues, including the dynamic land-use changes in post-conflict Syria, the impact of escalations in Palestine’s Area C, and the enhancement of urban law for better protection of HLP rights. Discussions will also focus on cultural resilience in Egypt, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia, and the land management challenges in Gaza’s Khan-Younis Governorate. These diverse perspectives highlight policies and strategies for resilient, inclusive solutions that protect the rights of displaced communities and facilitate sustainable recovery in crisis-affected regions. for 7 seconds
The session explores diverse approaches to safeguarding HLP rights during crises, drawing on experiences from Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Gaza’s Khan-Younis Governorate. Presenters will discuss land-use dynamics, the impact of escalating conflict on displacement, the potential of HLP-sensitive urban law to prevent violence, the role of cultural resilience for youth, and the challenges of land management under war. By examining these case studies, the discussion invites a deeper understanding of how inclusive policies, legal reforms, and community engagement can protect those affected by displacement and lay the groundwork for resilient, equitable recovery.
RESOURCES
Policy Directions: Housing, Land and Property Solutions to Resolve and Prevent Displacement
Durable Housing, Land and Property Solutions for Customary Displacement Contexts
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
Guidance Note of the Secretary General on “The United Nations and Land and Conflict”
Key Messages on Women, Land and Peace
Land Administration System in Syria: Analysis and Recommendations
Guidance Note on Fit for Purpose Land Administration for Syria
Guidance Note on the Application of the Social Tenure Domain Model in Syria
Land Governance and Land Rights in Palestine Analysis and Recommendations
Land Administration and Land Rights for Peace and Development in Libya
Legislative and Administrative Land and Property Rights Framework in Lebanon
Darfur Land Administration Assessment Report
Training Guide: Advancing Women’s Land and Property Rights in the Somali Region
Deploying STDM in Yemen_Opportunities and Challenges
Land Management under the War on the Gaza Strip Khan-Younis Governorate as a model_AlAgha&Tabsh
The post-October 7 impact on the displacement of residents from Area C of Palestine
Mapping the Future_land-use dynamics as catalysts in reshaping Syria Post-Conflict_Ola Hatoum
Land-based financing and land valuation solutions
As rapid urbanization continues to reshape cities worldwide, the need for innovative and effective land-based financing and valuation strategies has become increasingly urgent. These strategies are essential for fostering sustainable urban development, addressing infrastructure deficits, and promoting equitable growth. Among these approaches, land value capture (LVC) stands out as a powerful mechanism. LVC enables governments to leverage the increased land value created by public investments, such as transit-oriented development (TOD), to finance further urban improvements. This not only generates much-needed resources for urban infrastructure but also ensures that the benefits of public investments are equitably shared. However, implementing LVC and other land-based financing frameworks presents significant challenges, particularly in regions with fragile land governance systems. Regulatory, technical, and institutional barriers often hinder the effective adoption of these mechanisms, limiting their potential to drive sustainable urban development. Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions tailored to local contexts, as well as strong collaboration among policymakers, land governance experts, and urban planners.
This session will explore cutting-edge approaches to land-based financing and valuation, drawing on case studies and practical examples from diverse settings. Discussions will highlight how integrating LVC frameworks with transit-oriented development can advance sustainable urban financing, while also showcasing experiences from Sudan, where land governance challenges have shaped the implementation of LVC for urban development.
By examining these examples and fostering dialogue, the session will provide participants with insights into leveraging land value to fund infrastructure, strengthen governance, and achieve sustainable urban growth. The goal is to identify practical strategies to overcome barriers and unlock the transformative potential of land-based financing solutions in addressing the pressing challenges of urbanization.
RESOURCES
Land as a Cash Machine: The case of Lebanon
Valuation of Unregistered Land: A Practice Manual
Where to Start? A Guide to Land-based Finance in Local Governance
Land Based Financing for Local Governments - A Trainers Guide
Land Based Financing for Local Governments - A Readers Guide
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
Land Governance and Land Value Capture in Sudan_Ramadan
Municipal Land Management A Lever for Financing and Revenue Mobilization_GIZ
Unlocking Financing Opportunities with the City Climate Finance Gap Fund_Galay
Integrating Land Value Capture Frameworks with Transit-Oriented Development_LAhmad
Integrating Land Value Capture Frameworks with Transit-Oriented Development_LAhmadAR
Mobilising land resources for rural development
This session delves into Morocco's land mobilization policy, highlighting its critical role in the country's socio-economic development, particularly in rural areas. It traces the evolution of land policies from independence to the present, emphasizing the objectives and impacts of each phase. The process of transforming collective lands into individual properties, known as "melkization," is examined in detail, along with its advantages and challenges. The study examines the policy's repercussions on rural society, the local and national economy, and territories. The role of women, particularly "soulaliya" women, in land ownership and their contribution to economic development is emphasized. The session identifies challenges in implementing this policy and proposes solutions for a more sustainable future. It underscores the importance of coordination among the various ministries involved in land management. In essence, this session provides a comprehensive overview of Morocco's land policy and its challenges. It aims to contribute to a broader discussion on how to better leverage land potential for more equitable and sustainable rural development.
RESOURCES
Contribution of solidarity agriculture to the enhancement of agricultural land _Er Rousse
Mobilization and Melkisation of lands _Qbadou
Mobilization of land for agricultural investment _Zouhairi
The role of land registration in encouraging investment in the rural areas_Bouchaib
Advancing women’s tenure security in the MENA Region
Land is the foundation for shelter, livelihood, and climate resilience. Land is fundamental for survival. Because land is central to power and identity, control over land is fundamental to justice. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, land is scarce and valuable. Demand for land is projected to dramatically increase to meet the needs of a fast-growing urban population. Within this context, MENA nations currently face extensive challenges to ensure justice in relation to women’s ability to use, own, access, and inherit land. Recent data shows deep gender divisions in tenure security, which is exacerbated in the contexts where conflict is often prevalent, reflecting the fragility of women land rights in the region. In short, we are in the midst of a gendered land crisis that must be addressed, if we are to advance broad development and environmental goals.
Within this bleak reality, there are entry points that can create pathways to advance women’s land rights in the Arab region and address some of the biggest challenges ahead. This session will: i) Highlight the ways in which land-related SDG indicators 5.a.1; 5.a.2 and 1.4.2 can advance women’s land rights in the region, ii) Review current data gaps and challenges across the Arab region through the recent data. Iii) Review initiatives and case studies that have seen positive advancement of women’s land rights that can be and are applied in the region.
Participants will leave the session with a deeper understanding of the data that should inform approaches, opportunities for reporting mechanisms, specific initiatives and tools that are underway which can be used to advance women’s land rights, with engaged advocates and duty bearers who seek to move the needle on women’s land rights.
RESOURCES
Land Matters and Women HLP Rights in MENA - WB
Protecting Women's Rights to Access Land in the Arab Region in Light of the SDGs_Idrais
Stand for Her Land Uganda - Awareness Raising and Advocacy
Status of reporting on SDG 5.a.2 - 5.a.1 - 1.4.2 and complementary data - FAO
Land Matters and Women HLP Rights in MENA - WB
Protecting Women's Rights to Access Land in the Arab Region in Light of the SDGs_Idrais
Stand for Her Land Uganda - Awareness Raising and Advocacy
Status of reporting on SDG 5.a.2 - 5.a.1 - 1.4.2 and complementary data - FAO
Capturing urbanization values through land-use planning and land management in Egypt
The session will shed the light on the Egyptian experience in advancing urban regeneration and capturing urbanization values through land-use planning and land management. The session promotes cross learning from various experiences focusing on land-use planning and land management and how it can play an effective role in funding comprehensive urban regeneration schemes, promote cross finance in urban areas within city development visions to advance city-wide impacts and accelerate SDGs in cities.
The “participatory city-wide urban upgrading project in Egypt” project implemented in cooperation with the Urban Development Fund (UDF) aims to provide innovative urban regeneration tools and approaches to optimize land value, reduce inequalities and improve living conditions in urban areas in Egypt. It will present the new effective and inclusive tools and methodologies used by UDF to ensure financial, social and environmental feasibility and innovate financing mechanisms for the identified priority development projects.
While Hayenna project implemented in cooperation with the General Organization for Physical Planning (GOPP) will present land readjustment and land value capture tools in Egypt and how these tools can support a more inclusive and self-financed integrated urban regeneration in cities. The Integrated Urban Development Project “Hayenna” presents an innovative model for the implementation of the Participatory and Inclusive Land Readjustment (PILaR) tool which comes hand in hand with a strategy for local economic development and a design for innovative financing methods and mechanisms to mobilize local resources necessary to finance the necessary expenditures.
RESOURCES
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
UDF role in advancing urban regeneration through optimized land values and cross finance_Gohar
Data collaboratives and tools for resilience in the Arab region
Land data is a powerful tool to address the Arab region's pressing challenges in managing land, ranging from climate change impacts to social inequalities and ongoing conflicts. However, significant gaps in land data, exacerbated by closed data systems, limit equitable access to information, hinder informed decision-making and widen developmental gaps, with the significant displacement of people within the region, specifically marginalized groups and IDPs. To overcome these barriers, this session will examine the model of Data Collaboratives (and their respective tools) as one approach to monitoring land use, securing land rights, and ensuring accountability. Furthermore, we will explore collaborative data efforts rather than isolated initiatives to address the challenges of poor land and data governance in the Arab region. The EC Data Partnership is one such example of a Data Collaborative. It brings together a broad range of partners, including the International Land Coalition (ILC), Land Portal, Prindex, and Land Matrix who share land data and expertise to support informed decision-making on land governance at multiple levels.
The experts will discuss how tools such as the SOLIndex, Land Matrix, Prindex, Landex and LandMark can offer insights into multiple dimensions of land issues. The collaboration among these initiatives broadens the focus from data transparency for its own sake, to actionable data that can fill data gaps and promote equity, accountability, and resilience. The session aims to promote actions and showcase opportunities for stakeholders in the Arab region to engage with data collaboratives and use the tools to help foster collaborative data ecosystems for resilient and inclusive land governance systems.
RESOURCES
Application in Tunisia - Academia Perspectives_Saidi
LandMark Global Platform of Indigenus and community lands_Mustafa
Land registration and cadastre at the service of national land governance
This session will look at the Land Registration System in Morocco by showing its principles, its advantages and its role in strengthening land security and then the issues linked to Land Registration procedures & the registration of facts, provisions and conventions on land records. On another level, it will shed light on the Moroccan Cadastre, its specificities and its strong points; by discussing the importance and contributions of current cadastral projects.
Participants will discuss the importance of cadastral and land information in improving land governance and will identify the main challenges related to its production, updating and making it available. They will also discuss the purpose of systematically enriching knowledge on national land structures which will promote optimal management of national land assets and constitute a relevant leverage in National Land Governance.
RESOURCES
Preserving agricultural land from urbanization: a global challenge for sustainable development
Preserving agricultural land against the urban expansion is a critical challenge for Arab countries, confronting rapid urbanization, centralization of resources, and a lack of land regulation. This dynamic leads to the conversion of agricultural land into residential or industrial areas, threatening food security, disrupting ecosystems and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
This session aims to explore balanced planning strategies to limit urban sprawl, promote densification, rehabilitate existing contexts, and integrate sustainable solutions. Discussions will focus on the challenges and impacts of uncontrolled urbanization on agricultural land, regulatory, technical and financial tools to protect these lands, as well as the use of modern technologies such as GIS and remote sensing for specific land management.
The objectives include bringing together relevant stakeholders to discuss suitable solutions, sharing inspiring experiences on the national and international levels, and proposing innovative practices as well as a legal framework adapted to the Arab context.
The expected results are recommendations to limit the urbanization of agricultural land, concrete solutions for sustainable management, the definition of monitoring mechanisms using geomatic tools, and the enforcement of coordination between institutions, researchers and local stakeholders.
RESOURCES
Balancing Urban Growth and Sustainability Measuring Urban Economic Resilience_UNESCWA
Legal framework and procedures for the protection of agricultural land Morocco_Sar
The preservation of agricultural land in Morocco in the service of sustainable food security_El Mok
The regional dimension of the preservation of agricultural land_Lahrache
Urban planning a key tool for preserving agricultural land - AUKSS
Urbanization of agricultural land in Morocco Issues - Erreddaf
Multi-purpose land consolidation for inclusive rural transformation in the Arab Region
This session will look at the significant potential of multi-purpose land consolidation as a land governance approach to stimulate development in the Arab region. In its simplest form, the land consolidation process involves readjustment of fragmented land parcels with the aim of forming larger and more rational land holdings, over which the owners hold stronger and more certain tenure rights. But there is significant evidence that consolidation can act as a catalyst for transformative change in a wide range of other dimensions. It can improve the adoption of more advanced agricultural techniques, stimulate investment in equipment and machinery, and increase farm productivity and income. In this way, the process can create a conducive environment for rural entrepreneurship and enhanced cooperation among farmers. By providing better tenure security and access to credit, it can also incentivize farmers to invest their time, energy, and money in setting up climate-smart practices such as soil conservation techniques, water management systems, and agroforestry, which can mitigate the negative effects of climate change, improve soil fertility and promote sustainable land management.
Multi-purpose land consolidation is a tool that, depending on local needs, in addition to agricultural development can support the implementation of public projects related to increased biodiversity, environmental protection and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
This session will showcase good practices, including from countries in Europe, and place emphasis on i) The importance of extending the traditional focus of land consolidation on agricultural development to address wider challenges, particularly around climate change and irrigation, ii) The need to accompany and integrate land consolidation initiatives with efforts to improve access to credit and iii) The importance of ensuring that women rightsholders and land users are actively involved in land consolidation.
RESOURCES
Setting the scene_land governance in the Arab region_RVO
The potential of multi-purpose land consolidation in the Arab Region_FAO
Launch of the Arab Region Academic Network of Excellence
The session aims to launch the Arab Academic Excellence Network for Land Governance, comprising a number of leading Arab universities in land administration and governance. It seeks to foster scientific and professional dialogue among stakeholders, actors, and conference participants to enhance the role of higher education institutions in supporting and advancing the land administration and governance sector in the Arab world. The session will focus on four key themes: strengthening regional and international collaboration to design innovative academic and training programs in land governance; exploring the potential, challenges, and mechanisms for developing scientific research projects to produce smart solutions for land governance challenges; developing the technical and professional skills of land governance practitioners; and framing strategies to support and expand the network regionally and globally. Additionally, the session will address priority issues such as community empowerment, climate resilience, urban expansion, agricultural land degradation, women and land, and food security within land administration and governance. The session's expected outcomes include establishing a unified platform for academic institutions to exchange research, expertise, and training experiences, fostering innovative solutions to land governance challenges, and supporting the localization of sustainable development goals in the Arab world. The discussions are also anticipated to yield recommendations for enhancing the network and maximizing the role of higher education institutions in advancing land governance.
RESOURCES
The presentations and relevant resources for the session will be uploaded as soon as they become available.
From Fit-For-Purpose to GeoAI: the cadastral modernization journey
The session will focus on the foundation of Multi-Purpose Cadastres (MPCs) and Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) for National Spatial Data Infrastructures (NSDIs) as an innovative and smart solution for land management, property registration, and sustainable investments. The speakers will provide future-facing technical context and best international practices through multi-sector perspectives and expertise. Through case studies, dynamic conversations, and on-the-ground challenges, the audience will be presented with essential components of and leading technical methodologies for a successful NSDI based on MPC and GeoAI techniques to realize increased national tenure and financial security.
NSDIs improve decision making, increase government efficiency, and support an area’s economic sustainability through public and private access to geospatial data and information products including cross-government coordination. The implementation of an NSDI using a MPC as foundation would provide increased benefits to an area’s land administration, natural resource management, rural and urban planning, and sustainable development initiatives. The application and adoption of GeoAI and FFP land administration methodology would further the success of an interoperable, innovative, and sustainable NSDI.
RESOURCES
Fit-For-Purpose Land Administration_Agag
Geospatial Artificial Intelligence for MPC-Driven NSDIs - Yaagoubi
Identifying Areas for Urban Expansion in the East of Riyadh using GIS
Strengthening capacity building for scientific production and dissemination to support sustainable development in the Arab Region
Strengthening the capacity building for the production and dissemination of the knowledge in the Arab world on land development has become essential to be able to address strategies related to land development policies and governance in the Arab world. Therefore, it is necessary to intensify efforts to strengthen the partnership between institutions and academic bodies to coordinate efforts and exchange experiences on central issues related to land. The aim of this session is to sensitize and mobilize scientists and researchers from the Arab world and beyond to collaborate in building scientific and procedural foundations for a strategy of capacity building and knowledge dissemination. The session will showcase a scientific platform specialized in publishing research, studies and knowledge on land use, management, organization and ownership in the Arab world on a regular basis. It highlights scientific rigor and regional focus, making it attractive to researchers, policy makers and professionals involved in land issues in the Arab world.
The focus will be on the “Arab World” which spans a specific geographical axis in order to open a gateway to attract a wide audience interested in land development issues in the region. In parallel, scholars and researchers from outside the region can provide insights that contribute to the experiences in the Arab world. The session will mobilize Arab talent to address the challenges of land governance in the region in the areas of urbanization, desertification, and resource management.
RESOURCES
The presentations and relevant resources for the session will be uploaded as soon as they become available.
Land for food security and climate action
Land is a cornerstone for achieving food security and mitigating the impacts of climate change. In regions facing conflict, climate variability, and population growth, land-related challenges are deeply intertwined with historical legacies, legal frameworks, and social dynamics. Addressing these challenges is vital to fostering sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing community resilience, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
This session will explore the complex role of land governance in advancing food security and climate action, with a focus on the Middle East. The discussion will draw on key technical papers examining the issue of tribal lands in Jordan, a historical perspective on tribal lands in Syria will provide insights into the evolving dynamics of land ownership and governance within tribal communities, highlighting how conflict and socio-political changes have shaped land management over time. Additionally, the role of national coalitions in strengthening the influence of civil society in reforming land laws and legislation will be explored, emphasizing how inclusive and equitable policies can address pressing food security and climate challenges. By integrating these perspectives, the session aims to shed light on innovative solutions and collaborative strategies for sustainable land governance. Participants will engage in discussions on how land policies can be reformed to address the needs of communities, protect food systems, and strengthen resilience to climate change, offering actionable pathways toward equitable and sustainable outcomes.
RESOURCES
Land Governance, Natural Resources, and Climate Change in the Arab region
Land Degradation and Conflict: Case studies from Sudan, Jordan and Niger
Land Tenure and Climate Vulnerability
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
Housing, land, and property rights solutions in post-conflict Iraq: gender equity and e-land governance
This session highlights the collaborative efforts of UN-Habitat and the Government of Iraq to address HLP challenges in post-conflict regions. UN-Habitat has adopted an incremental approach, beginning with urgent solutions to secure tenure while laying the foundation for long-term land governance reforms. Through community consultations, land claims are verified, and targeted awareness-raising sessions have been conducted to empower female-headed households, who often face heightened barriers due to deeply ingrained cultural norms and exclusion from land inheritance. Initial efforts focused on securing occupancy rights through property mapping, issuing occupancy certificates, and building institutional capacity for sustainable solutions.
A key element of these efforts is Social Tenure Domain Model, a tool for managing informal tenure documents and spatial data. It has been playing a vital role in recognizing informal rights in areas without formal land systems.
Building on these solutions, current efforts have evolved to focus on:
Upgrading occupancy certificates to formal ownership titles.
Piloting a digital land registry system.
Driving Iraq’s transition toward e-land governance.
Additionally, efforts are underway to reform the land registration law through a legal framework review and policy dialogues. These reforms aim to incorporate digital advancements that enhance efficiency, transparency, and the legal validity of processes such as digital signatures, technical specifications for titles, and cadastral plans and interoperability with other agencies.
As part of this transition, pilot projects in four regions are digitizing archives to demonstrate effective management of graphical, alphanumeric, and documentary records, serving as a model for broader land governance and data digitization initiatives.
RESOURCES
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
Launch of Pinheiro Principles Handbook for the MENA Region
The year 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the approval of the Principles on Housing and Property Restitution for Refugees and Displaced Persons, also known as the Pinheiro Principles. Through consultations, case studies and joint work, the FAO, IOM, OHCHR, UN-Habitat, NRC as well as UNHCR, have been gathering good practices from throughout the Middle East and North Africa related to securing the resolution of housing and property restitution issues for refugees and displaced persons.
This is all put forward in this joint publication which testifies to how the realization of the right to housing and property restitution for refugees and internally displaced persons is key to creating durable peace and for the realization of related human rights. Many years in the making, the publication is more relevant today than ever, as a tool to overcome the many challenges to the realization of these rights in the region and beyond.
During this session we will hear from key experts and actors on housing and property rights that are working in and on the Middle East and North Africa, who will share their experiences from past work and their vision for the way forward in the region.
RESOURCES
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
The Role of Land Professionals in the Arab States
Co-organized by the Arab Land Initiative and the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG). FIG, with its extensive global network of surveyors and land professionals, plays a pivotal role in promoting best practices and innovative solutions for sustainable land management worldwide.
This session unpacks and explores the important relationship between the land sector, land professionals, and the community in the Arab region. A trusting and responsible relationship can lead to more effective land administration and governance. An overview of the key players in the region and international organisations will be given – alongside the contemporary challenges of ensuring effective engagement at the national and local levels.
The session emphasizes the importance of fostering trust and accountability among these groups as the foundation for effective land administration and governance. By examining the diverse responsibilities of land professionals—from policymakers and surveyors to planners and technologists—the session underscores how their expertise is crucial to successfully managing both urban and rural environments.
The session will start with a presentation about the FIG then a dynamic panel discussion where experts will share best practices that illustrate the impact of a well-integrated, professional approach to land management.
An open forum will follow, inviting attendees to contribute their experiences and ideas in order to identify actionable opportunities for strengthening the role of land professionals across the Arab states.
Ultimately, the session aims to provide participants with a clearer understanding of how transparent, accountable, and innovative land governance can drive sustainable development and progress throughout the region.
RESOURCES
FIG Statutes, Internal Rules and Guidelines
Digital Transformation and Land Administration
Roles and Capacities of Land Professionals in the Arab Region
Developing land governance capacities in the Arab region
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
Overview of CRTEAN_Gashut_Gledan
The Role of Land Professionals in the Arab States_FIG_Dumashie
Land for housing and slum transformation
Access to adequate housing and sustainable urban development is a fundamental driver of social equity and economic growth. However, many cities in the Arab region face challenges such as urban sprawl, informal settlements, and inadequate housing, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, population growth, and displacement. Addressing these issues requires innovative land governance solutions, urban planning strategies, and the use of modern technologies to transform slums and create inclusive, livable cities. Strengthening land administration systems and adopting environmentally sustainable approaches are critical steps toward ensuring equitable urban development. This session will explore transformative solutions for land management and housing, focusing on innovative practices and case studies from the region. It will feature an analysis of land administration reforms and urban area redevelopment efforts in Djibouti, showcasing how policy and planning can revitalize urban spaces. The session will also delve into the importance of geographic information systems (GIS) in population and housing censuses, emphasizing their role in enhancing environmental statistics and urban planning.
A case study from Muscat, Oman, will examine how land distribution laws have contributed to urban sprawl, offering insights into legislative approaches for managing growth more effectively. Additionally, the session will explore spatial planning and land management strategies tailored for protracted displacement in dryland regions, highlighting the role of nature-based solutions in addressing the unique challenges of these areas.
Through these discussions, the session aims to provide practical insights into integrating land governance, spatial planning, and innovative technologies to support housing access, transform informal settlements, and promote sustainable urban development across the region.
RESOURCES
The Role of Land in Achieving Adequate and Affordable Housing
Framework for Action Land Tenure Security for People, Planet and Prosperity
Tenure Responsive Land Use Planning – A Guide for Country Level Implementation
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
Land for housing and territorial development
This session, entitled " Land for housing and territorial development" organized as part of the 3rd Arab Land Conference, addresses the challenges and opportunities linked to the mobilization and governance of land with the aim to meet the growing needs in terms of housing and sustainable development of territories. It brings together researchers, urban planning experts, policy makers and development stakeholders to examine ways to strengthen land management, while integrating local, regional and national scales to meet the objectives of public housing and territorial development
During this session, participants will discuss ways to strengthen land management, while integrating the local, regional and national scales and will examine the challenges and opportunities of mobilizing land to meet the objectives of public housing and development programs. The topics covered by the speakers include, but are not limited to, the land issue in regional land use planning schemes, the role of regional housing plans as territorial governance tools as well as the role of public actors and ways for public-private partnerships in the execution of public programs.
RESOURCES
Regional Housing Plans_Taoufik
Role of public actors and public-private partnership tools_Al Omrane Group model
The land issue in the Regional Land Use Planning Schemes_Maliki
Progress in securing women’s land rights in Morocco and the Arab region: the contribution of land surveyors
Women’s access to land has been a key concern globally, particularly in the Arab region. Through discussions surrounding the GLTN publication, Land, Law, and Islam (Sait and Lim, 2006), the tangled web of customary, traditional, informal, religious, and formal tenure systems have been teased out through the continuum of land rights. The subsequent two decades have been marked by greater awareness and interventions on securing and strengthening women’s land rights in the face of growing urban crisis in the Arab region including Covid, Conflict and Climate. On the other hand, the process of securing women's land rights on collective lands in Morocco faces a number of constraints. Firstly, persistent socio-cultural obstacles hinder women's full participation in land management and decision-making. Secondly, there are technical challenges linked to the identification and demarcation of collective lands, requiring specialized technical expertise. Coordination between the various stakeholders, including local authorities, communities and surveying engineers, is also a major challenge. Finally, the lack of awareness and access to information for women reduces their ability to defend their land rights. The objectives behind the sessions are at the first level to discuss how the knowledge and evidence base and research on Arab land issues, particularly in relation to women and girls have emerged and been effectively applied. Secondly to consider how networks and partnerships such as NELGA have evolved to reach the critical mass and what are the plans for further sustained growth and outreach. Finally, it is relevant to Identify technical challenges and potential solutions to improve the accuracy and transparency of the collective lands administration at the national level in Morocco in order to highlight and promote collaboration between professionals under the umbrella of ONIGT, local authorities and civil society organizations to integrate the gender dimension into land governance in Morocco.
RESOURCES
Crisis, displacement and housing, land and property solutions in Lebanon
This session directly relates to the theme of “Housing, land and property solutions for displacement and crisis”. It will focus on past and ongoing crises and displacement in Lebanon, highlighting the government and public sector’s approach to addressing these issues. The session will include a case study on the 2020 Beirut Port explosion, exploring the lessons learned from it. The session will also present potential solutions for addressing the
displacement in Lebanon that has resulted from the escalation of 2024 the Hezbollah–Israel conflict by utilizing the vacant buildings in Beirut. Representatives from the Lebanese Government will conclude by discussing the ongoing crisis and displacement, and the state’s current efforts in addressing HLP issues. The main goal of the session is to increase knowledge about HLP solutions during times of crisis and displacement in Lebanon, and to facilitate discussions and collaborations that strive to advance solutions.
RESOURCES
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
Restoring housing, land and property for displaced communities: Syria, Yemen and beyond
This event begins with an overview of forced displacement across the Arab region and the housing, land and property (HLP) values to be restored, among other entitlements provided in international law. The panelists will focus on Yemen and Syria as examples: Arab Youth Sustainable Development Network (Yemen) will present the outcomes of research and consultations with Yemeni displacement victims, civil society and other relevant actors on the impacts of land dispossession both during the previous government of Ali Abdullah Salih and in the context of the ongoing war. Insight (Syria) will present outcomes of research and documentation focused on HLP deprivation in northern and northwest Syria, where foreign militias have dispossessed and demolished HLP and displaced households. The panelists will precent data on the affected persons’, households’ and communities’ costs, losses and damage with proposals for regional cooperation toward remedying this common phenomenon. HIC-HLRN presentations present the applicable international norms for HLP restitution, its global efforts at documenting and quantifying values in 30 other cases by applying quantification methods toward remedy for victims consistent with the UN Remedy and Reparations Framework (A/RES/60/147) and Pinheiro Principles (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2005/17).
These presentations will culminate in discussion to explore prospects for regional cooperation toward remedying such impacts, as have occurred in other regions such as the Balkans and Africa’s Great Lakes region. To develop this vision, the event will share comparative analysis of other cases as illustrations of the efforts required for HLP restitution for some 40,000,000 refugees and displaced persons across the Arab region.
RESOURCES
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
Civil society assembly
This event begins with an overview of forced displacement across the Arab region and the housing, land and property (HLP) values to be restored, among other entitlements provided in international law. The panelists will focus on Yemen and Syria as examples: Arab Youth Sustainable Development Network (Yemen) will present the outcomes of research and consultations with Yemeni displacement victims, civil society and other relevant actors on the impacts of land dispossession both during the previous government of Ali Abdullah Salih and in the context of the ongoing war. Insight (Syria) will present outcomes of research and documentation focused on HLP deprivation in northern and northwest Syria, where foreign militias have dispossessed and demolished HLP and displaced households. The panelists will precent data on the affected persons’, households’ and communities’ costs, losses and damage with proposals for regional cooperation toward remedying this common phenomenon. HIC-HLRN presentations present the applicable international norms for HLP restitution, its global efforts at documenting and quantifying values in 30 other cases by applying quantification methods toward remedy for victims consistent with the UN Remedy and Reparations Framework (A/RES/60/147) and Pinheiro Principles (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2005/17).
These presentations will culminate in discussion to explore prospects for regional cooperation toward remedying such impacts, as have occurred in other regions such as the Balkans and Africa’s Great Lakes region. To develop this vision, the event will share comparative analysis of other cases as illustrations of the efforts required for HLP restitution for some 40,000,000 refugees and displaced persons across the Arab region.
RESOURCES
Booklet: Good land governance and housing, land and property rights interventions in the Arab region
Youth and land assembly
Across the Arab region, addressing urban crises – including the impacts of conflict, displacement and refugee crises, climate change, pandemics and health inequalities, pollution and congestion, and inadequate housing and informal settlements – is vital to shaping sustainable cities and communities. Organized in cooperation with the Noon Centre for Equality and Diversity, University of East London, this Plenary session particularly focuses on how young people cope with insecurities, mental and physical, and the adverse effects on their health and wellbeing as a result of urban crises. It recognises the significant role of strengthening tenure security for young men and women (who account for approximately 1 in 5 of the population across the region, and up to 60% in urban areas), and the role of housing, land, and property (HLP) rights. Drawing on the experiences of GLTN partners, the session seeks to create dialogue and strengthen partnership and awareness of youth challenges and perspectives. ‘Cultural resilience’ is a key for strengthening Arab communities – framed through shared distinctive urban identity, heritage, language, religious practices, and adaptability – and is essential to finding innovative urban solutions and developing inclusive and sustainable urban development approaches. As highlighted at the 10th World Urban Forum in Abu Dhabi (2020) and reaffirmed in the ‘Cairo Call to Action’ at the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt (2024), cultural diversity and heritage is a vital for ‘driving social inclusion, fostering resilience, and offering sustainable economic opportunities’.
This dialogue will bring together global partners and experts to share their experiences and insights, deepening our understanding of the challenges young people face in accessing and securing housing, land, and property rights. With a focus on cultural resilience—the strength drawn from shared identity, heritage, language, faith, and adaptability—the session highlights how diversity builds inclusive communities and drives sustainable opportunities. The conversation will also feature the dynamic FIG Young Surveyors Network.
As part of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), this network connects early-career professionals in surveying, geospatial sciences, and related fields. Their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm are key to rethinking traditional approaches to land governance and sustainable development, effectively bridging the gap between established experts and emerging leaders. In a collaborative and engaging setting, participants will explore best practices for creating youth-friendly approaches to housing, land, and property development. Emphasizing the vital role of secure land rights and youth-led initiatives, the session aims to spark actionable recommendations that empower young people to shape the future of HLP governance. The session also highlights the significance of culture, faith and identity in Arab cities, innovative tools, approaches, methodologies, and strategies to help drive positive urban change.
Overall, this plenary session seeks to build a collaborative platform where the challenges and aspirations of youth are at the forefront of urban development, ensuring that the drive toward sustainable urbanization is both inclusive and resilient.
RESOURCES
Developing Innovative Methodologies for Youth Empowerment in Delivery of Basic Urban Services
Tapping into the Arab Spring horizons for youth_Chemli
UN-Habitat’s Approach to Youth Empowerment; Examples from the Arab Region_Mustafa
Closing Session
As the Third Arab Land Conference concludes, this closing session reflects on the rich discussions, shared experiences, and actionable solutions proposed during the event. The session will highlight the collective achievements of stakeholders from governments, civil society, academia, the private sector, and international organizations who have come together to advance robust land governance in the Arab region.
Building on the momentum set by the High-Level Sessions and the Partner-Led session and Technical Sessions, the conference’s outcomes have been distilled into a Declaration—a unified commitment to addressing pressing land-related challenges and leveraging opportunities for sustainable development. This Declaration underscores the urgent need for collective action on critical issues such as land management during crises, housing and property rights for displaced communities, women’s tenure security, land-based financing, and climate-resilient land governance. The closing session will review the key themes and recommendations of the conference, emphasizing the importance of turning these commitments into tangible actions. Participants will be called upon to implement the Agenda for Action outlined in the Declaration, which serves as a roadmap for strengthening land governance systems, fostering inclusive development, and ensuring the resilience and prosperity of the Arab region.
This session will conclude with a call for continued collaboration among stakeholders to uphold the principles of the Declaration and drive meaningful progress. It marks the beginning of the collective journey to translate the conference’s outcomes into impactful, long-lasting change for communities across the Arab region.
RESOURCES
The relevant resources for the session will be uploaded as soon as they become available.