The Third Arab Land Conference, held from February 18 to 20, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, concluded with the adoption of the Morocco Declaration for Land Governance, a key milestone in strengthening land governance frameworks across the Arab region.
Co-organised by UN-Habitat and the Government of Morocco, the Conference brought together 430 in-person participants, more than 40 government representatives from 17 countries, and over 7,000 online viewers. Discussions focused on sustainable land governance, investment-driven solutions, and inclusive policies to enhance stability, economic growth, and social equity.
Strengthening regional cooperation
The Morocco Declaration calls for stronger regional partnerships and technological advancements in land management and provision of housing and outlines actions to boost land-based investments while respecting land rights, empowering communities, and fostering long-term growth. Key measures include digitalising land administration systems, building the capacities of land professionals, and addressing post-crisis recovery and reconstruction.
The Declaration also emphasises the urgency of protecting women’s land rights and ensuring women’s active participation in shaping land policies and land management.
Key outcomes and commitments
The League of Arab States, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA) committed to integrating the Conference’s outcomes into their intergovernmental processes.
Two major initiatives were launched at the Conference:
- The Arab World Academic Network of Excellence, bringing together leading universities from Palestine, Egypt, Iraq, and Morocco, aimed at enhancing knowledge and expertise in land administration and governance across the region.
- A strategic handbook on housing and property restitution for refugees and displaced persons, providing guidance on implementing the Pinheiro Principles through case studies from the Arab region.
Three High-Level Sessions explored critical land issues, including land management in times of crisis, land sector innovation for sustainable investments and housing, and women’s land rights.
Moving forward
The Morocco Declaration serves as a roadmap for future land governance initiatives in the Arab region. The challenge now lies in translating these commitments into concrete actions that promote sustainable urban growth, secure land tenure, and enhance social stability.