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In 2023 the Quality of Life Program of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia partnered with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) on the Quality of Life Initiative. The Initiative aims to provide policy makers with new knowledge to improve quality of life in their communities, through the use of a human centric globally relevant and locally applicable metric; the Quality of Life Index. Unlike typical indices, this initiative has built a tool which enables informed decision making and is made to measure progress, rather than ranking or comparing different countries and cities. Human well-being has been identified as one of the key transformative shifts needed to achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Quality of Life Index will contribute by helping subnational governments in urban areas to achieve progress towards a prosperous and fulfilling life for individuals and communities, thus localizing the SDGs. The index was co-created through wide ranging consultations with experts and stakeholders around the world representing all eight SDG regions, and is aligned with the Urban Monitoring Framework (UMF) endorsed by the United Nations in 2022. One of the invaluable key stakeholders who contributed to the co-creation process is Smart City Institute Japan, who also sit on the initiative’s Quality Assurance Panel.

【Reflection】
At the Saudi Arabia Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, the Quality of Life Programme Centre hosted a high-level panel discussion entitled “Human Centred Cities: Innovating for a Better Quality of Life.”
The session featured international perspectives and explored diverse approaches to enhancing the quality of life in urban environments, focusing on the following themes:

・Introduction of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Quality of Life Initiative
As part of the national strategy, a comprehensive programme was presented that aims to improve citizens’ well-being through multidisciplinary efforts spanning culture, urban design, tourism, public safety, sports, and more.

・Collaboration with UN-Habitat
The international framework of the “Quality of Life” initiative and the significance of indicators assessing urban sustainability and inclusiveness were shared. Methods utilising both objective and subjective data to support policymaking were introduced.

・Emphasis on Cooperation with Japan
Through partnership with the Smart City Institute Japan, insights into human-centred urban design were exchanged. The alignment and complementarity with Japan’s “Well-Being City” indicators were also discussed.

・Relationship Between Technology and Well-being
Under the recognition that technology is a means rather than an end, the panel examined how AI, digital twins, and other technologies contribute to improving quality of life.

・Next-Generation Development and Education
Investments in science and technology education, particularly promoting women’s participation in STEM fields, were presented as foundational efforts supporting a sustainable urban future.

This session served as a meaningful dialogue combining expertise from Saudi Arabia, Japan, and international organisations, providing an opportunity to broaden the possibilities of urban policy from a global viewpoint.


【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Following the Expo, Saudi Arabia and Japan continue to maintain close collaboration, advancing sustainable and human-centred urban development. In particular, the joint development of the “AI Urban Platform + Well-being Indicators” is progressing through the following concrete initiatives:

・Supporting evidence-based policy-making
By utilising AI and digital twin technologies, they are building systems to visualise and simulate how urban design and smart city measures impact citizens’ happiness and quality of life. This provides scientific backing for policy decisions, enabling more effective city management.

・Sharing and applying international best practices
In cooperation with UN-Habitat and the Smart City Institute Japan, knowledge and insights from both countries are consolidated. They aim to promote sustainable urban development models internationally, facilitating their adaptation by other countries and regions.

・Fostering next-generation talent and promoting diversity
Through enhanced science and technology education and support for women’s participation in STEM fields, they support building a diverse and inclusive society. This strengthens the human resource base that will sustain future urban policies and technological advancements.

・Promoting sustainable and human-centred urban development
Technology is regarded as a means to an end, with a focus on improving citizens’ well-being and sustainability. Urban planning and policy design carefully consider environmental impacts and social challenges, striving for balanced development.

Through these initiatives, the two countries are advancing practical joint projects beyond mere exchanges. Continued deepening of international cooperation is expected to help build a better urban future.