Sustainability

Returning to France from Asia, I had the enriching opportunity to attend the 3rd Roundtable on Smart Cities and Inclusive Growth in Paris. The discussions delved into how smart cities can catalyze the net-zero transition, among other topics. The term ‘smart city’ has evolved, intersecting various influences and interests, and is now synonymous with sustainability. It’s essential to underpin smart city initiatives with a robust strategy for sustainable urban development, integrating SDGs as guiding policies. This approach will enable developing countries to forge their path in SDG localisation, moving beyond a top-down methodology to one that empowers localities and ensures devolution of power, aligning with the global sustainability goals.

URBANICE MALAYSIA is at the forefront of Malaysia’s journey towards sustainable urbanization, championing the SDGs and fostering transformative policies. My visit underscored the agency’s role in steering the nation towards a data-driven, collaborative future. With new legislation on the horizon, the promise of enhanced city empowerment and international partnerships looms, heralding a new era of global sustainability.