WELCOMING DINNER IN CONJUNCTION WITH 4TH IMT-GT GREEN COUNCIL MEETING
WELCOMING DINNER SPEECH BY CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
IN CONJUNCTION WITH 4TH IMT-GT GREEN COUNCIL MEETING,
2ND GREEN CITIES MAYOR COUNCIL MEETING,
& SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK SEMINAR
23rd AUGUST
8.30PM at PARK ROYAL PENANG RESORT
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentleman
On behalf of the State Government of Penang and the people of Penang State, I would like to extend our warm greetings and cordially welcome to Penang the Heads of the Indonesian and Thailand delegations, Director of CIMT - Mr. Firdaus Dahlan and all the delegates of the 4th IMT-GT Green Council meeting, 2nd Green Cities Mayor Council Meeting and the Sustainable Urban Development Framework Seminar.
Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand share close historical, cultural and linguistic ties. South Thailand and North Peninsular Malaysia share a land border while Indonesia is separated from these countries by the narrow Straits of Malacca. These three South-east Asian countries are also connected by growing and dynamic economic linkages.
Our region today face many challenges with increase in population, depletion of reserve forests, impending threats of climate change and other major environmental issues. Hence, we need to manage our environment in a sustainable way in the face of growing demands on development. At the global level, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to mobilise efforts to eradicate all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change by the year 2030. The IMT-GT can collectively play a role in addressing the issue on environmental sustainability. The sharing of best practices on green agenda and implementation of effective action plans under a sub-regional framework could open new investment opportunities while creating green, liveable IMT-GT cities.
It is important that our overall environment is considered whenever policies are made. A well-kept balance between economic growth and ecological protection can help make the cities, model states.
The agendas of the 4th IMT - GT Green Council Meeting today highlighted the formalisation of IMT - GT Green Council structure, the finalisation of Terms of Reference (ToR) for Green Cities Mayor Meeting, the appointment of environment portfolios, the implementation of Sustainable Urban Development Framework (SUDF), and the discussion on the arrangement for Sustainable Urban Development Framework (SUDF) Roundtable Discussion with Ministers and development partners in the 25th IMT - GT Ministerial Meeting which will take place in Krabi, Thailand in September 2019.
The highlighted agendas discussed at the meeting today will be significant in helping to further accelerate economic and social transformation in less developed provinces in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
I am also happy to share our state vision, Penang2030 themed “A Family-focused Green and Smart State that inspires the Nation”. Penang2030 is unique in the sense that all levels of stakeholders - the private sector, civil society, academicians and individuals - are invited to participate in discussions with the government in the formulation of projects that the government aims to implement.
The blueprint has four main themes, and each has four strategic initiatives. They are: first, increase liveability to enhance quality of life; second, upgrade the economy to raise household income; third, empower people to strengthen civic participation and, lastly, invest in the built environment to improve resilience. These themes cover not only economic and infrastructural development but also the cultural development of society.
Penang is an attractive city both for residents as well as visitors. It has natural sights as well as unique and delicious cuisines. I hope all the delegates will take time to savour the sights, sounds and taste of our wonderful state.
It is with hope that IMT - GT will continue to grow by serving not only activities to bring about economic growth and improved living standards within its sub-region but also serving and helping to achieve wider regional integration.
I wish all the delegates a beneficial gathering of minds and a fruitful discussion during this two-day event.
Thank you.