For liveable and sustainable cities
LIVEABLE and Vibrant Cities” was theme of the inaugural world cities summit. The discussion topics emphasized the challenges of growing cities. Various discussions and speeches were presented on issues like sustainable urban infrastructure development, maintaining clean environment, good quality of life and economic competitiveness. The first ever World Cities Summit was held in Singapore on 23-25 June, 2008. Significance of conference was that prominent and internationally-renowned speakers met and shared their experiences. It fostered promotion of insights into effective policy formulation and implementation -- what can bring about a long term wave of change in the urban environment of the world. Objectives of conference were: * Clear insights into good governance strategies and effective urban development solutions through discussions, exchange of ideas and analysis of successful case studies. * An excellent opportunity for networking amongst top officials and high-level policy makers. The event provided a platform to showcase achievements and identify global opportunities. Who arranged? World Cities Summit 2008 was organized by Singapore's Ministry of National Development, the Singapore Civil Service College and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy of the National University of Singapore at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. On the occasion Tan Tee How, Permanent Secretary of Singapore's Ministry of National Development, said “Today, half of the world's population is already living in cities and the trend for further population growth, urbanization and industrialization will continue. Cities, and the way we plan, build and manage them, will determine how far the world can achieve sustainable development and tackle environmental problems like climate change. Mindful of its limited resources, Singapore has embraced long-term urban planning from the onset to ensure that both economic growth and quality living environment are sustained. Through World Cities Summit, "we hope to bring together like-minded cities and stakeholders to share their insights and expertise as well as discuss the challenges faced in achieving sustainable development.” “World Cities Summit will be an excellent platform for public policy practitioners to discuss and to share experiences on how to tackle the challenges of creating cities that are economically vibrant and livable. The Summit will be a good platform to share learning experiences and perhaps, even spark off some new ideas,” said Chan Heng Kee, Dean and Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Civil Service College. Professor Kishore Mahbubani, Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, noted that, “Asian cities are becoming the new centers of growth in a dynamic and exciting region. The challenge for national and city leaders is to ensure that these growing cities carry on humming -- to keep the water clean, the air clear and the traffic flowing; and more than that, to provide a high quality of life and a good livelihood for the people living in them. World Cities Summit creates enormous opportunities for new ideas to emerge on how Asian cities can be better managed and developed.” Asian cities at stake With Asian cities growing by over 100,000 people a day (ADB), 1.1 billion people who will move to cities in Asia over the next 20 years is a task of “magnitude never before attempted by humanity.” A new report published by ADB, Managing Asian Cities, outlines how the region's cities can meet the enormous challenges they face. The challenge is underlined by the unprecedented speed of urbanization in Asia. While London, for example, took 130 years to grow from 1 million to 8 million residents, Asian cities are fast attracting a “tidal wave of humanity.” With population expanding rapidly over the last 50 years, many Asian cities face deteriorating sanitation and environmental conditions, inadequate housing and infrastructure, and other problems. ADB recognises that urban issues require integrated approaches that specifically target the poor, promote economic development, treat cities as a living ecosystem, and foster the involvement of private sector and civil society. Managing Asian Cities aims to provide a useful management resource, canvassing key issues and pointing managers to appropriate responses to problems; and, second, provide the initial step in a new phase of ADB's continuing support to Asian cities under its Strategy 2020. The study reviews the existing situation and presents options for improved urban management practice. Throughout the report, when options for solving problems are suggested, "we distinguish between cities of differing wealth, size, and capacity. We also focus on a city's self-reliance, suggesting ways in which different types of cities can take on more responsibility for their own development. Last, we focus on how to establish enabling frameworks for urban development. Rather than suggesting prescriptive interventions, we concentrate on government as less of a doer and more of a facilitator for the community and private sector."
The report says a “wholesale rethink” is needed on how cities are laid out to reduce the use of private vehicles. “How can new cities be planned in an energy-efficient way and how can existing ones be structured to minimize the need for movement.” New approaches are also needed on energy use, the management of household rubbish and other solid waste, sewage, water supply and other urban infrastructure issues. Financing urban environmental improvement is vital for sustainable urban development. According to ADB statistics “each year, there is a $30 billion shortfall in urban infrastructure investments, leading to greater deterioration of existing infrastructure and worsening urban environments.” What is next? Now the theme for the second summit is Liveable and Sustainable Cities for the Future. World Cities Summit 2010 will be a four-day event focusing on leadership and governance eco-friendly and liveable cities, and harmonious and sustainable communities. Through the exchange of ideas and knowledge, cities can learn from each other to create a good environment that is sustainable and forward-looking. The coming summit expected to be held from 28 June to 1 July will comprise a high-level summit, plenary sessions, networking forums and technical workshops. Through the exchange of ideas and knowledge, cities can learn from each other to identify practical, scalable and replicable solutions to the challenge they face. To conclude I want to quote from the speech by Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore delivered at the first world city summit, “The sustainable development of cities is one of the key challenges of our time. Good governance is vital in tackling this challenge, and achieving the right balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and high quality of life for urban dwellers.” The stakes are high and we have to get it right early. The welfare of our peoples depends on how well we harness our collective ideas, knowledge and capabilities. Countries and cities should work together, so that we make progress towards cleaner, more resource-efficient and more sustainable cities for the future.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments