Malaysia has issued a strong call for a paradigm shift in global urban cooperation, emphasising the need for tangible, results-driven collaboration between cities. The message, conveyed by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, comes as part of his official address at the World Cities Summit (WCS) 2025, currently taking place in Vienna.
Speaking in his capacity as President of the United Nations-Habitat Assembly (UNHA), Nga addressed an audience of over 75 mayors and city leaders from across the globe. He underscored the urgency of transitioning from dialogue to implementation, advocating for city-level action rooted in innovation and supported by structured urban partnerships.
“Collaboration must lead to projects that solve real urban challenges,” Nga said. “We must institutionalise knowledge-sharing and back our intentions with innovation funding, technical hubs, and measurable outcomes.”
Nga outlined a forward-focused agenda, encouraging cities to work together through mechanisms such as joint innovation financing, regional cooperation on shared urban concerns, and the adoption of standardised metrics to evaluate progress. These strategies, he noted, are not theoretical constructs but grounded in Malaysia’s ongoing urban development initiatives.
He cited Malaysia’s experience through initiatives such as the Malaysia Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Cities Roadmap, the ASEAN Smart Cities Network, and the Asia-Pacific New Urban Agenda Platform. These platforms, he said, serve to facilitate the exchange of expertise and promote scalable, sustainable solutions.
As part of his address, Nga spotlighted internationally recognised urban transformation models including Barcelona’s Superblocks, Yokohama’s Zero Waste policy, and Curitiba’s Bus Rapid Transit system. Each, he explained, exemplifies how innovative, networked approaches can yield global urban impact.
The call for action was further reinforced during the Mayors Forum on 3 July, where Kuala Lumpur Mayor and Advisor on Sustainable Urbanisation, Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif, contributed insights on advancing affordable housing.
“Affordable housing is not merely a development target,” said Dr Maimunah. “It is a reflection of the social compact between the government and the people. Real affordability requires more than policy; it demands shared conviction. A truly inclusive city is one that listens, adapts, and responds in order to build a genuine sense of belonging with its people.”
Her intervention highlighted the essential role of participatory governance and community engagement in shaping inclusive urban landscapes.
As cities face growing socio-economic and environmental pressures, Malaysia’s leadership at WCS 2025 signals a determined push for cities to unite in delivering concrete, data-driven outcomes for sustainable urban futures.
-Bernama
