Kalima, the translation initiative of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), published the Arabic version of the book "A Manifesto for Sustainable Cities: Think Local, Act Global", written by Jeremy Gaines and Stefan Jager.

The authors’ examination of this subject begins with a critical analysis of the concept of "sustainability" and the common use of that term, which, they suggest, has become popular during the last two decades.. The term made its first appearance in 1987, in a report by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development entitled "Our Common Future". In this context, the ‘sustainable development’ was thoroughly considered; this resulted in the generation of a more expansive definition of this concept..

Throughout its length, the book addresses the issue of architectural designs for contemporary cities, and draws upon on a new criterion for establishing green buildings. The authors suggest such buildings are thusly named as they generate more energy than they consume. It is further proposed that cities which have such buildings may serve as pilot projects, promoting environmentally friendly designs in metropolitan areas.

The book stresses that when considering the fields of sustainability, environmental conservation, development, improvement and providing energy, there are numerous factors which must be identified. The authors suggest that perhaps most important of these concerns is the preservation of the right of future generations to develop both fairly and rationally.

Further to this, the book calls for "acting locally" in a manner that   reflects the "global framework" the goal is the application of sustainability for the planet as a whole. The authors suggest that urban planning as not limited to just sound construction of cities, but must also address important issues such as global warming, waste of resources, providing clean water, and maintaining social balance and cultural diversity.

It argues that the recognition of the need for "sustainable cities" must form the foundation of  coexistence between peoples as part of the global community, with the objective that "sustainability" becomes a concept that is part of international law, and is recognised as such..

The book proposes that humanity itself may face extinction should sustainable development fail to be employed. The authors state that rather than having "paradise on earth”, future generation are dependent upon  a joint effort to compel the international community to work towards effective sustainability. They reason that such an undertaking requires far-sighted political commitment to ensure its success.

Jeremy Gaines is an expert on German in architecture. He translated many books from German into English, including: "The Future of Psychoanalysis" by Johannes Cremerius; "Thoughts of An Outstanding Entrepreneur" by Hans Gerling; "Love as an Emotion" by Nichols Lohmann; and "Depression and Society" by Wolff Leibniz.

Stefan Jager is an author and an editor from Austria. He is a member of the Austrian Study Centre for the Exchange of American Press Services.

The book was translated by Ali Lillu, who holds a BA degree in English Literature and Education from the University of Jordan.. He has translated many books, including: "Raising Children without Borders", "The Horrid Place", "The Rising of the Sun and the Setting of the Moon", "Food and Society in Classical Antiquity", and "Friendship in Ancient Times". He is a media consultant to a number of institutions and companies and is also a member of the Palestinian Union of Writers and Journalists.

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