"CITIES NEED STRONG LEADERS TO STEER THROUGH CHALLENGES"

By Zakaria Abdul Wahab

SINGAPORE, July 1 (Bernama) -- Cities require strong leadership to steer it
through current challenging times and inspire confidence both locally and
globally, a mayors' forum here was told.

Singapore's National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said city leaders must
be at the forefront in facing the increasing concerns of rapid urbanisation,
population growth, climate change and dynamic economic situations.

“As city leaders, you are at the frontline in creating sustainable, liveable
and prosperous communities,” he said when opening the World Cities Summit
Mayors’ Forum here.

Over 30 governors and mayors from cities in America, China, Europe, India,
the Middle East and Southeast Asia participated in the one-day forum.

Mah said national governments controlled key policies but local government
leaders implemented agendas at the city level.


At the same time, he added mayors also needed to promote social cohesiveness
even as the city developed, maintain equity, diversity and encourage active
community participation.

The minister said challenges presented timely opportunities for cities to
adopt innovative solutions in sustainable development.

To sustain growth, the modern city had to go beyond providing the basic
infrastructure needs for the present and look into creating eco-friendly and
liveable communities in the long term, he said.

Practical concerns such as resource mobilisation, financing strategies and
funding mechanisms must also be addressed, Mah added.

-- BERNAMA




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