4 days ago
Asean capital cities unite to address waste and climate challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: A collaborative network has been established for Asean capital cities to work together to address various common challenges, including waste management, climate change and natural disasters.
This was among the outcomes announced by Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif after chairing the 2025 Meeting of Governors and Mayors of Asean Capitals (MGMAC) at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today (Aug 13).
The network, known as the MGMAC City Network, will promote knowledge-sharing and progress reporting on the implementation of sustainable development goals and the New Urban Agenda by carrying out voluntary local reviews, according to Maimunah.
"All Asean capital cities have agreed to support the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, especially concerning zero-waste initiatives and climate action.
"This includes the voluntary participation in the UN-Habitat Waste Wise Cities initiative. Each capital city will also submit a report on their waste management efforts," she said.
Asean capital cities have also agreed to promote and advocate for local-level climate investments by international institutions such as the United Nations System, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, according to Maimunah.
"We will leverage on these organisations' technical expertise and financial capabilities to support climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives in our cities," she said.
She added that Asean capital cities will also adopt a thematic approach to assist each other in the areas of zero waste as well as climate adaptation and mitigation.
The 10 Asean capital cities have also agreed in principle to set up a secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, to deepen their partnership to better implement the Asean Vision 2045, according to Maimunah.
"The details of the secretariat will be discussed in the technical meetings that will be held after this.
"The secretariat can help monitor the cities' commitments towards the Asean Vision 2045 and prepare for future meetings," she added.
Also present were United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) secretary-general Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Manila vice mayor Angela Lei "Chi" Atienza and Urbanice Malaysia chief executive officer Norliza Hashim.
MGMAC will be held in Manila, the Philippines, next year as the country assumes the chair of Asean.
