The mayors and governors of the ASEAN capitals hold a meeting in Phnom Pen on December 2. PHNOM PENH CAPITAL HALL
The mayors and governors of the ASEAN capitals said they are committed to continue promoting close partnership and comprehensive cooperation among ASEAN capitals in order to achieve smart, resilient, and sustainable cities in ASEAN for the benefit of present and future generations.
The commitment was made in a Phnom Pen declaration, issued during their December 2 meeting.
In a 4-page declaration, released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, they said they maintain their commitment to achieving a smart, resilient, and sustainable community that is economically competitive, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible.
Such a community, they said, can be achieved by fully implementing the pilot projects of ASEAN Smart Cities Network, focusing on the priority areas outlined in the ASEAN Smart Cities Framework. These include civic and social, health and well-being, safety and security, a quality environment and infrastructure, and industry and innovation.
They will promote city-to-city partnerships and public-private partnerships among ASEAN cities and service providers, funding and development partnersm by sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices.
They also committed to encouraging the active engagement of citizens in their respective ASEAN capitals by equipping them with technological and digital skills and literacy, promoting green start-ups, and fostering a sense of community ownership, that serves to promote a green and circular economy. They added that they will safeguard their data privacy and security and encourage a mutual understanding of culture diversities between cities.
“We will work towards creating age-friendly policies and cities with inclusive environments and technologies for elderly citizens, given the ageing populations in some ASEAN capitals. By supporting the needs of older people, and promoting the well-being of citizens at all levels, we will construct socially resilient cities,” the declaration said.
The ASEAN governors and mayors also said they will utilise effective and innovative technologies to solve urban challenges such as the security of water, food and energy, data privacy and security, transportation connectivity and logistics, and human resettlement planning and management, amongst others.
