M'sia leads sustainable city charge
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is set to become the centre for sustainable urban development in the region with the pre-launch of three major events under its Asean chairmanship.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who disclosed this, said that the Asean Sustainable Urbanisation Forum, Asean Governors and Mayors Forum, and Meeting of Governors and Mayors of Asean Capitals will take place here.
Organised by the ministry, he said the three annual events were planned from Aug 10 to 15 under the theme 'Asean Future Cities and Regions: Inclusivity and Sustainability'.
Nga said the events would focus on four core aspects – developing climate-resilient cities; inclusive, healthy and caring cities; digital transformation and innovation; and possible collaborative pathways to sustainability in the region – in over 150 forum sessions.
'These will not merely be abstract ideals; it will be presented as blueprints anchored in actionable solutions, real case studies and policy recommendations.
'This will empower leaders and participants to respond to urban challenges with clarity and commitment,' he said at the pre-launch ceremony for the three events yesterday.
Nga said over 8,000 participants were expected to attend, adding that they would include mayors, governors, academia and private sector leaders from over 500 cities across the region and the world.
'This is not just an honour; it is a testament to the world's trust in our values and vision to advance inclusive, people-focused and sustainable urban development.
'This is a golden opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment and dedication to advancing sustainable urban development not only at the national level but also across the region.
'This could be the defining chapter in both Malaysia's and Asean's story in transforming our cities into beacons of sustainability, inclusivity and hope,' he added, inviting more local partners, institutions, individuals and urban actors to join in.
The minister said Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and GoKL Buses would be the official transport partners for the events.
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