KUCHING: The Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday officiated the 8th Alliance for Healthy Cities (AFHC) Global Conference and General Assembly 2018 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
The four-day conference from 17 to 20 October with the theme, ‘Our Cities, Our SDGs, Our Journey’ involves representatives from various cities around the globe, particularly those from the Western Pacific Region.
The conference is an important platform for prominent local and international experts including city mayors, councillors, health experts, urban planners and managers to deliberate on the way forward in managing the challenges resulting from rapid urban development.
“Development of cities and competitiveness play a pivotal role as the main economic driver of a country through the creation of huge economic and employment opportunities.
“Nonetheless, urbanisation also brings about various complicated issues and challenges that need to be addressed in creating a vibrant and safe city.
“There is no straightforward approach in managing the cities properly and effectively due to the diverse and dynamic issues associated with the economics, physical, social and environmental development of the cities,” said Abang Johari.
He added that it was important to strategically and sustainably develop and manage the cities as well as learn from each other by emulating good practices and avoid repeating the failures of other cities.
“Collaboration between cities under AFHC is one of the strategic approaches to creating opportunities for member cities to work closely in seeking solutions to various issues and challenges.
“AFHC 2018 will bring together member cities of AFHC to share their ideas and experiences on various programmes, projects and initiatives in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aspirations, goals and objectives,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari also disclosed that Kuching city has been recognised internationally as a model for Healthy Cities and received several awards from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and AFHC.
Among the awards received were WHO Regional Director’s Award – Outstanding Healthy City in 2004, AFHC Award – Healthy Cities Good Practice Award in 2005, and AFHC Award – Progress of Healthy Cities with Good Performance in 2006.
Also present were State Secretary, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, Minister for Local Government and Housing, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Regional Director of World Health Organisation for Western Pacific Region, Dr Shin Young-soo, and Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Alliance for Healthy Cities, Scarlett Pong.
