08 July 2025 at 09:46 pm IST
Malaysia, as the current ASEAN Chair and newly appointed President of the UN-Habitat Assembly, is gearing up to host three pivotal urban sustainability events from 10–15 August 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. These programmes include the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Forum (ASUF), ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF), and the Meeting of Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals (MGMAC). Driven by Minister Nga Kor Ming, the initiative underscores Malaysia’s ambition to champion climate‑resilient cities and equitable development across the region. The events, themed “ASEAN Future Cities and Regions: Inclusivity and Sustainability,” will focus on four strategic pillars: climate‑resilient urban design, inclusive and caring communities, digital transformation, and multi‑stakeholder sustainable collaboration. Over 8,000 participants, including mayors and governors from 500 cities, are expected to engage in more than 150 sessions and technical exchanges. Coverage will span topics like nature-based flood solutions, transit-oriented affordable housing, and inclusive mobility systems—supported by both policy frameworks and real-world case studies. Highlighting the scope, the week-long line-up features eight technical visits, five stakeholder assemblies, an Urban Expo with 100 exhibitors, and input from over 200 speakers. Adding a public outreach dimension, specially themed GoKL and Prasarana buses will act as “moving ambassadors,” showcasing sustainable urban concepts while facilitating shuttle services among key Kuala Lumpur hubs such as KLCC and Bukit Bintang. Prasarana is also organising participant visits to its operations control centre and depot, along with educational activities like the Children’s City Walk to emphasise public transport’s role in urban sustainability. Together, these interconnected events position Kuala Lumpur 2025 as a landmark moment in ASEAN’s urban agenda. By blending technical, policy, and grassroots elements, Malaysia aims to forge a practical blueprint for sustainable, inclusive, and digitally enabled urban landscapes across the region.
