Sustainable Urban Development as a Driver for Environmental Diplomacy

Iran and Saudi Arabia face shared environmental challenges, particularly in their rapidly expanding urban centers, where issues such as air pollution, water scarcity and urban planning complexities put increasing pressure on individual access to infrastructure, public health and the overall quality of life. Addressing these challenges requires not only technical solutions but also regional cooperation, which can serve as a driver for environmental diplomacy. However, sustained cross-border collaboration between Iran and Saudi Arabia remains complicated. Against this backdrop, this CARPO Brief explores opportunities for sustainable urban development and green urbanism as entry points for building trust and fostering regional dialogue between the two countries. It highlights the potential of third-party contexts, such as Uzbekistan, as neutral platforms for facilitating discussions, sharing expertise and reducing political sensitivities. By drawing on regional experiences in sustainable urban development, Iran and Saudi Arabia can engage in knowledge exchange and practical cooperation to address pressing environmental and urban challenges while fostering a broader culture of dialogue and mutual understanding.