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Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Local, innovative solutions in each city can resonate beyond borders: Chee Hong Tat
– While every city faces unique challenges, solutions created locally – from flood protection to involving communities in decision-making – resonate far beyond borders. This was the key message by National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, who chaired the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum in Vienna on July 3 and 4. The Mayors Forum gathered leaders from more than 50 cities who convened in Vienna City Hall to discuss pressing urban challenges and share best practices across themes that include affordable housing, alternative energy and water management. 'The most innovative solutions often emerge when we reach out and learn from one another... That combination of being clear about what we want to do, but also being very open to learning from others and sharing best practices with one another gives us the greatest likelihood of success,' said Mr Chee in his closing address to delegates. In highlighting citizens' participation in shaping policies, the minister cited the example of Caracas' government plan that guides for the country's development up to through 2030. The plan has seven pillars, including expanding Venezuela's economy beyond oil and reducing crime and violence. This roadmap for Venezuela was formed through extensive consultations with communities across the country. 'Today, residents of Caracas are empowered to shape national priorities, and also supervise transformation projects...,' said Mr Chee. 'When governments actively partner citizens, we can deliver more effective services for all.' On the topic of preventing natural disasters, Vienna's unconventional flood protection measure, which involved building an island in the middle of a river, was highlighted. To prevent the banks from overflowing during flooding events, the Danube River which runs through the city had a side channel carved next to it in the 1980s, essentially widening the river. The cultural city had suffered several floods in the 1800s and in 1954, prompting the widening of the river. The excavated soil was used to build the 21km-long Danube Island in the middle of the river, which has since become a favourite recreation spot for the Viennese , with its beaches and walking trails that run through vegetation . In September 2024, Vienna was spared the major damages that Storm Boris wreaked on other parts of Europe, partly due to the Danube Island project. The BBC reported that 10 people were lightly injured by the floods and only 15 homes had to be evacuated. Coinciding with the forum, Singapore's Centre for Liveable Cities had released a few publications. One of them is a book detailing the housing policies of Vienna and Singapore. Vienna has a social housing policy, where more than half of its population live in either city-owned flats or publicly subsidised housing. The large share of subsidised homes exerts a price-dampening effect on the private housing market there, and a person's social status cannot be inferred from where he or she lives. Rent in Vienna remains lower compared with other European capitals like Berlin, Paris and Madrid. One of the youth delegates of the forum, Mr Zac Toh – founder of urban farm and social enterprise City Sprouts – said: 'Vienna's social housing policy is interesting. It's on a rental basis, which means there is a low house ownership. Yet, they can still pass down their social houses to the next generation. 'For this approach, Vienna has to have a good amount of land banked, as well as an efficient system for recovering capital.' Singapore Management University's (SMU) Professor of Urban Climate Winston Chow, who moderated the two-day forum, told the media that cities can only thrive if the community's voices are heard and not sidelined. 'There are far too many cities where local indigenous knowledge is excluded, and that leads to very detrimental outcomes,' he noted. Preceding the Mayors Forum was the SMU City Dialogues conference at the same venue on July 2. Beyond looking at resilient cities of the global north that have been branded as 'liveable', the conversations across the three days also focused on cities that require more basic needs, and are classified as 'survivable', a term used by Professor Loretta Lees of Boston University. 'They can't take that next step to be resilient because they're so busy dealing with the day-to-day circumstances of crises in their city and ensuring that they can live, feed their children, get a job,' said Prof Lees, who spoke at a roundtable discussion on July 2.
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Global experts at SMU City Dialogues Vienna: Urban resilience requires trust, equity and 'smart enough' solutions
SINGAPORE and VIENNA, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As a partner event of the Mayors Forum of the World Cities Summit 2025, the fourth edition of SMU City Dialogues was successfully organised by Singapore Management University (SMU) in partnership with Urban Innovation Vienna (UIV) on 2 July 2025 at Vienna City Hall. City Dialogues Vienna welcomed over 100 attendees from 20 countries; with representation from more than 20 universities and over 30 private and public organisations – a testament to the diversity and dynamism of our global community, and the urgency and relevance of the dialogue topic of urban resilience. The event opened with a welcome address by SMU Provost, Professor Alan Chan, followed by remarks from Mr Melvyn Ong, Permanent Secretary (Development) at the Ministry of National Development, Republic of Singapore. The keynote address was delivered by Mr Jürgen Czernohorszky, Executive City Councillor for Climate, Environment, Democracy and Personnel of the City of Vienna. Centered around the guiding question "What is the value of urban resilience?", the event brought together urban leaders, policymakers and academics from Europe, Asia and beyond to exchange actionable insights towards resilient, inclusive and future-ready cities. The programme featured three thematic tracks, each addressing a core dimension of urban resilience: These parallel discussions concluded with a joint key takeaway session led by SMU professors Winston Chow and Orlando Woods, alongside UIV's Johannes Lutter. Their insights made one thing clear: urban resilience is not a buzzword, but a lived responsibility which requires trust, participation, and context-sensitive action. Professor Winston Chow, Co-Chair of the IPCC Working Group II and Professor of Urban Climate at SMU, said, "Resilience isn't just about surviving, it's about thriving. We need to align financial systems with social goals, build trust through good governance, and empower communities to shape their own future." Prof Chow also cautioned against over-reliance on public-private partnerships, noting that "public-private partnerships can be powerful tools, but they are not universal solutions. They require competent, stable governments, extensive due diligence and clear alignment of interest." SMU Professor of Geography Orlando Woods, who is also Director of the SMU Urban Institute, reflected on the limitations of digital solutions in addressing complex urban challenges. While his group was tasked with exploring innovation and technology, much of the discussion shifted toward the structural problems that technology alone cannot resolve. "It's not about being a smart city. It's about being a smart enough city. Smart enough relative to the context, the specific problem we are trying to solve with the technology that we have." He emphasised that overreliance on data and digital tools often leads to oversimplified responses, while masking deeper systemic issues like inequality, mental health, or infrastructural neglect. Dr Johannes Lutter Senior Urban Planner at Urban Innovation Vienna, outlined three key messages on how resilience can be made more socially inclusive and locally grounded. "Given our limited resources, it is essential that we take targeted action—focusing in particular on those who are most vulnerable. To do so effectively, we must have a clear understanding of who is at risk." "We must restore agency to communities—not by shifting responsibility onto them and stepping back, but by fostering a structured dialogue between governments and communities, ensuring genuine collaboration between public institutions and the people they serve," he added. Initiated in 2019 by Singapore Management University, the City Dialogues series fosters candid exchange among policymakers, academics and business leaders. It aims to generate actionable recommendations for sustainable and inclusive urban development. Previous editions held in Singapore and Bangkok successfully brought together leaders from government, industry, and academia to engage in honest, action-oriented conversations.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Over 100 City Leaders Gather in Vienna to Address Urban Challenges, Sharing Local Solutions with Global Impact
SINGAPORE, July 3, 2025 / / -- The 14th edition of the Mayors Forum of the World Cities Summit is held at Vienna City Hall, Vienna, Austria, from 2 to 4 July 2025. It is hosted by the City of Vienna, the 2020 Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize (LKYWCP) Laureate, recognised for its high-quality public services, inclusive and sustainable urban policies, and commitment to climate neutrality. The Mayors Forum is a by-invitation global platform for mayors and city leaders to address common urban challenges and contribute lessons from their own city experiences. The event will bring together more than 200 delegates, including mayors and city leaders from more than 50 cities from around the world. The Mayors Forum 2025 is chaired by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Singapore's Minister for National Development. Together with Dr Michael Ludwig, Mayor of Vienna, representing the host city, Minister Chee and Mayor Ludwig will deliver the opening and closing addresses on 3 and 4 July 2025. Minister Chee said, 'I am honoured to chair the Mayors Forum for the first time, and I look forward to engaging with fellow city leaders in Vienna. As the 2020 Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Laureate, Vienna is recognised for its inclusive planning approach, and as a leader in tackling climate change. While every city operates in different contexts, we face many common challenges - from climate change and technological disruption, to aging populations and demographic shifts. Platforms like the Mayors Forum allow us to learn from each other's experiences and work together to co-create innovative, practical solutions that make our cities more sustainable and liveable for all.' Mayor Ludwig said, 'Cities are at the forefront of addressing the pressing challenges of our time, from climate change to social inclusion. As a city recognised for its innovative urban policies and commitment to sustainability, Vienna serves as a model for others around the globe. This forum is an opportunity for us to share our experiences and learn from one another, demonstrating that local solutions can indeed have a global impact. Together, we can inspire a future where our cities are not only liveable but also thriving centers of progress and cooperation.' Liveable and Sustainable Cities: Local Solutions, Global Impact The theme for Mayors Forum 2025 is 'Liveable and Sustainable Cities: Local Solutions, Global Impact.' Cities around the world continue to face complex and multi-faceted challenges in urban development. Hence, this year's theme calls on city leaders to share local solutions, policies, and frameworks so that others may also adapt and transform in order to deliver outcomes that address similar pressing issues in their own cities—bringing about local solutions with a larger global impact. Participants will engage in a series of interactive sessions structured around five subthemes: • Delivering Affordable Housing – Ensuring accessibility through innovative policies and funding models. • Providing Reliable and Efficient Municipal Services – Enhancing good governance, applying technology, and empowering communities. • Collaborative Cities in Action – Facilitating knowledge sharing, encouraging collaboration and deepening partnerships amongst cities through city networks. • Rethinking Urban Energy Transition – Accelerating the adoption of alternative energy sources through efficient urban planning. • Managing Urban Water for Resilience – Applying innovative and technological approaches to urban water management. Participating Cities and Notable Speakers As a convening of international Mayors and leaders, this year's Forum is attended by cities which include: • From Asia-Pacific: Bintan, Brisbane, Fukuoka, Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching North, Kuching South, Makassar, Malé, Navotas, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Suzhou, Taipei, Yokohama • From Europe: Antwerp, Bilbao, Brno, Budapest, Espoo, Geneva, Glasgow, Hamburg, London, Prague, Tallinn, The Hague • From Middle East & Africa: Algiers, Ankara, Jeddah, Kanifing, Makkah, Muscat, Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Windhoek, Lüderitz • From the Americas: Athens (Ohio), Boulder, Champaign (Illinois), Caracas, Fort Lauderdale, Medellín, Mexico City, Santiago De Cali, Kingston & St. Andrew, Kitchener (Ontario) Notable speakers and city representatives include: • Mr Stjin De Rooster, Vice Mayor, Antwerp (Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Special Mention City) • Prof Steve Patterson, Mayor, Athens, Ohio • Mr Juan Mari Aburto, Mayor, Bilbao (2010 Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Laureate) • Mr Scott Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the South East Queensland Council of Mayors, Brisbane • Mr Soichiro Takashima, Mayor, Fukuoka • Chief Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of The Council, Glasgow • Dato' Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Mayor, Kuala Lumpur • Mr Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor, London • Mr Inti Muñoz Santini, Secretary of Housing, Mexico City • H.E. Vannak Seng, Vice Governor, Phnom Penh • Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Mayor, Seoul (2018 Lee Kuan Yew World City Laureate) • Mr Wu Qingwen, Mayor, Suzhou (2014 Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Prize Laureate) • Mr Chang Wen-Te, Deputy Mayor, Taipei City • Councillor Jürgen Czernohorszky, Executive City Councilor for Climate, Environment, Democracy and Personnel, Vienna • Her Worship Ndeshihafela Larandja, Mayor, Windhoek • Minister Nga Kor Ming, President, United Nations Habitat Assembly Programme Highlights Apart from the Mayors Forum Sessions, the WCS Young Leaders Symposium will bring together emerging changemakers and established leaders in the urban sector to explore and address the key issues shaping the global urban agenda. There will also be a WCS Responsive Cities Session that delves into the complex challenges of rapid urbanisation, from climate change to shifting societal needs. This two-part session will first feature the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Network Knowledge Forum, followed by the Science of Cities Networking Dialogue which will touch on the science of cities approach to urban governance, including the use of data-smart governance and leveraging technology in citizen engagement. These help cities to deliver evidence-based solutions to create urban environments that are more liveable, resilient, and attuned to the dynamic needs of the citizens. Delegates will also have the opportunity to experience the City of Vienna through in-person site visits, including: visits to the historic Karl-Marx-Hof public housing complex, a symbol of the city's enduring commitment to social housing; and Seestadt Aspern, one of Europe's most ambitious mixed-use smart city developments. TEAM LEWIS On behalf of World Cities Summit [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. 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Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Leading global institutions launch alliance to advance human-centric urban research
VIENNA, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Five globally respected academic institutions have come together to launch the Global Alliance on Sustainable Urban Societies – a pioneering initiative that places people at the heart of urban research and policymaking. The partnership was announced today at the Singapore Management University (SMU) City Dialogues held in Vienna, taking place as part of the Mayors Forum of the World Cities Summit 2025. The founding members of the alliance are: The Urban Institute, Singapore Management University The Initiative on Cities, Boston University The Department of Geography and Environment, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) (LSE) Melbourne Centre for Cities, University of Melbourne The School of Cities, University of Toronto Representatives from the five founding institutions signed an agreement at a networking reception of the SMU City Dialogues Vienna. Formed around a shared vision of interdisciplinary and human-centred urban research, the Alliance aims to deepen understanding of how city dwellers sense, navigate and shape the urban environments they inhabit. This includes examination of the social and cultural norms, social networks and economic linkages – the "soft infrastructures" – that underpin resilient and sustainable cities. In an era of accelerating digital transformation, the Alliance embraces the fusion of critical social science with data science to offer fresh, actionable insights into urban life. By recognising people as sensors, enablers and actuators, the collaboration acknowledges the vital, multi-faceted role of residents in shaping sustainable urban societies. The Alliance will collaborate through: Joint research initiatives and academic publications Co-hosted workshops and global conferences Faculty and student exchanges Responsible data-sharing protocols that uphold privacy and confidentiality The founding institutions extend an open invitation to like-minded academic institutions to join the Alliance in advancing a collective understanding of sustainable, people-first cities. Speaking at the SMU City Dialogues Vienna, the founding institutions underscored their commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and global network of urban researchers. Professor Orlando Woods, the Director of the Urban Institute at SMU, said, "The joint vision is to pursue interdisciplinary research that views cities through a human-centred lens to shape sustainable urban societies and promote urban resilience. This exciting collaboration will deepen knowledge in an important field across the founding institutions, and it encompasses joint research projects, academic publications and workshops and conferences. It is also empowered by student and faculty exchanges, and data sharing initiatives that safeguard the confidentiality, privacy and security of individuals' data. We welcome like-minded academic institutions to join this alliance." Professor Loretta Lees, the Director of the Initiative on Cities at Boston University, said, "The Initiative on Cities at Boston University is an interdisciplinary research, learning and practice centre focused on resilient and liveable cities. To be resilient and liveable, cities must be socially sustainable, and we need to understand how individuals and communities perceive, interact with, and are affected by urbanisation and the urban environment. Ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities in cities is important because this affects well-being and quality of life. Investigating urban community building and socio-cultural interactions and connections is strategic in terms of building human resilience to shocks, environmental, economic, or other. Working with like-minded urbanists globally is critical towards these goals, and we are very excited to be a part of launching this global urban alliance." Professor Hyun Bang Shin, the Head of the Department of Geography and Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science, said, "The Department of Geography and Environment at LSE embodies international excellence through its diverse community of globally engaged academics, researchers, and students. Our work addresses some of the world's most pressing urban challenges, combining rigorous academic inquiry with applied, policy-relevant solutions. Committed to fostering sustainable, equitable, and inclusive urban futures, we produce research that informs global debates, shapes practice, and empowers communities—from informal settlements to global cities—towards more just and resilient urban worlds. We are excited to be part of this global alliance on sustainable urban societies and look forward to working together with like-minded urban scholars across the world." Associate Professor Cathy Oke, Director of the Melbourne Centre for Cities, said, "At the Melbourne Centre for Cities we believe strongly in the importance of international collaboration between and amongst cities and universities, to further urban scholarship policy and decisions informed by lived experiences, shared goals, challenges and opportunities faced by urban settlements around the world. We're delighted to be part of this global alliance, and look forward to finding new opportunities to help leaders and citizens as they shape just, thriving cities." Professor Karen Chapple, Director of the School of Cities, and Professor, Department of Geography & Planning, at the University of Toronto, said, "The School of Cities is delighted to be a founding member of the Global Alliance on Sustainable Urban Societies. This partnership reflects our deep commitment to advancing inclusive, interdisciplinary urban research that centres the lived experiences of residents and city-builders. By working collaboratively across continents and disciplines, we can better understand the complex social fabrics that make cities resilient, and co-create solutions that are both innovative and grounded in the realities of urban life." About SMU Urban Institute Set up on 17 January 2024, the SMU Urban Institute plans to forge an interdisciplinary research agenda that bridges theoretical and applied research, data science and the critical social sciences, industry and academia, and Singapore and Southeast Asia. It seeks to synthesise and cultivate thought leadership and innovative solutions, inform policy decisions, and drive sustainable urban development practices for the development of more inclusive, resilient, and vibrant cities. Organised into three pillars – Urban Life, Urban Growth and Urban Infrastructure – it aims to address the evolving urban challenges that confront Singapore and key Asian cities. About Boston University Initiative on Cities The Boston University Initiative on Cities is a global urban research and policy center, founded in 2014, that serves as a bridge between academic research and real-world urban challenges. By leveraging the interdisciplinary expertise of Boston University's faculty and connecting it to practitioners, policymakers, and communities, the IOC seeks to advance more livable, resilient, and just cities. Learn more at About the London School of Economics and Political Science The Department of Geography and Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a centre of international academic excellence in economic and urban geography, planning, environmental social science, and climate change. Accommodating the largest concentration of urban scholars at the LSE, the Department's research expertise is grounded in social sciences and policy relevance, excelling in six key areas that encompass city economies; housing, land and property; regional economic development; sustainability and environmental economics; global urban worlds; and environmental politics and justice. About the Melbourne Centre for Cities The Melbourne Centre for Cities is a cross-faculty, multidisciplinary initiative at the University of Melbourne, hosted by the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning. It leverages evidence-based research and bridges the gap between urban scholarship and policy-making, driving deeper academic understanding and transformative policy centred on key themes of urban sustainability, connectivity, leadership, and equity. About the School of Cities, University of Toronto The School of Cities is a unique multidisciplinary hub for urban research, education, and engagement creating new and just ways for cities and their residents to thrive. Based at the University of Toronto and in a fast-growing, culturally diverse, and economically dynamic urban region, the School of Cities supports leading scholars, practitioners, and community members spanning disciplines and lived experiences to co-create new understandings, policies, and practices. The School of Cities is playing a critical role in addressing climate change and justice, migration and belonging, inequality and democracy, and the world's collective ability to address urgent urban challenges.
