Closing Ceremony of the 7th Asia Pacific Urban Forum

Speech by Chief Minister of Penang

YAB Mr Chow Kon Yeow

Closing Ceremony of the 7th Asia Pacific Urban Forum

17 October 2019

Good afternoon.

I am happy to note that the 7th Asia Pacifc Urban Forum (APUF7) has concluded on a successful and productive note. This forum, held over a three-day period, has gathered leaders, local governments, stakeholders and city officials from all over the world to discuss important and relevant issues of this modern world – urban resilience and sustainable urbanization. I am made to understand that the outcome of discussions held in APUF7 will be brought to the World Urban Forum in February next year. The declaration of action and commitments by Asia Pacific countries today will also be brought up in the World Urban Forum. We are indeed proud to host such an important forum that will bring changes and push for sustainability for the sake of the future generation.

APUF7 has brought us together to collaborate, cooperate and create opportunities for cities and countries in the Asia Pacific in formulating concrete plans to achieve sustainable development goals (SDG).

This forum has provided countries in the Asia Pacific with the space and platform to consolidate the varied perspectives as we discuss the future of the Asia Pacific region. It is a commitment that all of us must make to achieve the 2030 Agenda. In Penang, we too have the Penang2030 vision, which looks at sustainability for a family-focused green and smart state. It is through international forums such as this that we can come together to address issues on urban and territorial planning, urban resilience, data and technologies for smart cities and urban finance.

The high-level roundtable talks in the beginning of the forum has set the tone for the sharing of visions for sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region. It was a fitting platform for various cities to share their successes in sustainable urbanization while taking cognizance of the need to include grassroots communities in the process of policy making. Penang has always believed in stakeholders’ engagement. We believe this is the way forward for governments to work with the people in policy making so that they will take ownership of the programmes that we introduce. This is one of the ways to ensure sustainability.

Today, we saw the launch of the Penang Platform for Sustainable Urbanisation (PPSU) that brings together an alliance of partners. It is a platform to collaborate, integrate good practices, transform and increase political will for sustainable urbanisation across the region. We have also heard the declaration of action from various cities including Penang island’s action plan from the Mayor of the City Council of Penang Island, Dato’ Ar. Yew Tung Seang. Now, we only need to work together to put these declarations into real action and advance towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.

To conclude, we would like to thank all participants for coming to Penang and making a difference by contributing your part in this forum. Don’t forget to join in the special showcase of our social and infrastructure projects after this and later this evening, do come to the Potpourri Festival of Penang at the Esplanade. We promise that it will be a fun evening of entertainment and Penang’s famous hawker food.

Thank you.