KUALA LUMPUR: In a significant nod to its burgeoning status as a global hub for sustainable urban development, Kuala Lumpur has been chosen to host the prestigious UIA2024 International Forum (UIA2024) from 15 to 19 November 2024 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
This landmark event, expected to draw more than 3,000 delegates, underscores the city’s commitment to fostering diverse, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments.
Organised jointly by the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), the UIA2024 is set to be a transformative gathering.
It will bring together architects, urban planners, policymakers, and enthusiasts from around the globe to engage in critical discussions under the theme of DiverseCity for Humanity and Sustainable Growth.
This theme reflects modern cities’ complex challenges, emphasising the need for strategies that prioritise human well-being alongside environmental stewardship.
The forum is anticipated to generate a significant economic impact, with an estimated RM43.4 million in benefits and up to RM18.5 million in visitor expenditures, bolstering the Malaysian economy.
DBKL project implementation and building maintenance department director Hanum Ain Zainal said Kuala Lumpur is steadfast in its journey to emerge as a global frontrunner in crafting resilient, inclusive, and habitable urban landscapes.
“The UIA2024 International Forum Kuala Lumpur offers a golden opportunity for us to exchange insights, absorb global best practices, and cultivate partnerships that will propel us towards achieving our collective aspirations,” she said in a statement.
PAM president Ar Abu Zarim Abu Bakar said hosting the UIA2024 in Malaysia is significant for sharing cultural diversity experiences and a powerful way to promote dialogue, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse cultural contexts in which architecture operates.
“It has the potential to inspire positive change, foster collaboration, and contribute to advancing architecture as a socially responsible and culturally responsive profession,” he said.
The theme DiverCity, reflects Malaysia’s unique cultural diversity and commitment to environmental stewardship.
It highlights the importance of inclusive and sustainable urban development practices that prioritise the well-being of communities and the environment.
The forum also aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals related to reducing inequalities, gender equality, peace and justice and strong institutions.
Architects and urban planners play a crucial role in advancing these global agendas through innovative design and planning solutions that address global issues such as social inequality and cultural preservation.
The successful bid by the Malaysian delegation, presented in a hybrid format at the UIA 148th Council Meeting and extraordinary general assembly in Madrid, Spain, included prominent figures from the architectural and urban planning sectors.
The team responsible for this achievement includes UIA2024 convener Datuk Ar Ezumi Harzani Ismail, PAM past president Ar Sarly Adre Sarkum, past deputy president Ar Alice Leong, Nusantara Academy of Development director Ar Ahmad Najib Ariffin, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) chief operating officer Noor Ahmad Hamid, along with 16 other delegation members, including PAM and UIA former president Tan Sri Ar Esa Mohamed.
Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), MyCEB, ARCHIDEX, and other partners, UIA2024 is set to be a transformative event that highlights Kuala Lumpur’s advancements and shapes the future of sustainable urban development globally.
