THE three-day Seventh Asia-Pacific Urban Forum (APUF-7) held in the country for the first time has concluded on a successful and productive note.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present in the closing ceremony, was delighted that the event was held in a fruitful manner.
He said APUF-7 had gathered leaders, local governments, stakeholders and city officials around the world to discuss issues relating to modern world, such as urban resilience and sustainable urbanisation.
He said he understood that the outcome of the discussions would be brought to the World Urban Forum in February next year.
“Therefore, the state is proud to host such an important forum that will bring changes and push for sustainability for the sake of future generation.
“APUF-7 has brought us together to collaborate, cooperate and create opportunities for cities and countries in Asia Pacific in formulating plans to achieve sustainable development goals.
“This forum also provided countries in the Asia Pacific with space and platform to consolidate the perspectives on future of the Asia Pacific region.
“These international forums ensure issues on urban and territorial planning, urban resilience, data and technologies for smart cities could be addressed,” he said in his speech during the closing ceremony of APUF-7 in Setia SPICE Convention Centre today.
The forum, which started from Oct 15 to 17, saw over 3,000 participants from China, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Bangladesh, India and other countries.
Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin also lauded the organisation of the event.
She said the forum held had brought stakeholders to share knowledge on how cities are built.
“It is a successful event. Hence, let us meet once again in the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) scheduled to be held in Melaka in June next year,” she said.
United Nations (UN) Habitat executive director Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif congratulated the organiser for holding such as huge event.
Also present were UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific’s Environment and Development Division director Dr Stefanos Fotiou, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, Housing and Local Government deputy secretary general Datuk Azhar Ahmad and Urbanice Malaysia chief executive Norliza Hashim.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi