Singapore is encouraging governments and industries to come together to share and co-create solutions with an integrated approach to urban sustainability. They will converge at the The World Cities Summit (WCS), Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) and CleanEnviro Summit Singapore (CESS) that will be jointly held June 1 to 5, 2014 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
WCS, SIWW and CESS is a global platform for government and city leaders to discuss urban challenges and chart new directions and solutions for more liveable and sustainable cities of the future. Some 20,000 high-level delegates are expected to attend, including ministers, mayors, government and industry leaders, representatives of international organizations and academics. The involvement of key stakeholders across the spectrum of urban planning, water planning and waste management is critical, given the new and complex challenges facing cities.
According to the United Nations, more than five billion people—or 60% of the world’s population—will live in cities by 2030. To meet this exponential growth, about $57 trillion in investment is required globally in infrastructure such as water resource management, solid waste management, transport, energy and telecommunications. This is nearly 60% more than the $36 trillion spent over the last 18 years. In addition, as resources become scarce, it is becoming increasingly apparent that a lack of regard for environmental sustainability could threaten long-term development.
The need for innovative and integrated urban solutions has always been imperative for Singapore. Given its small size and limited resources, Singapore has always adopted a forward-looking and integrated approach to urban planning and sustainable development to ensure a quality living environment for our people. Other cities are also adopting a more holistic approach to achieve sustainable growth—a key reason why mayors and government leaders from around the world are converging in Singapore in June to share ideas and solutions to tackle urban challenges effectively.
Technology and innovation will also play a critical role to boost productivity in the infrastructure sector whilst governance will ensure that infrastructure deals are being structured for efficiency and effectiveness to meet the needs of residents. The events make it possible for the public and private sectors to engage in solutions- oriented dialogue that will attract investors, increase infrastructure investments, and promote beneficial partnerships to make cities liveable and sustainable.
“The interconnected nature of sustainable development calls for going beyond borders, both geographical and disciplinary, to coordinate strategies and make good decisions that benefit citizens," said Khoo Teng Chye, executive director of the Centre for Liveable Cities. "Problems are rarely contained within predefined jurisdictions such as one government agency or a single neighbourhood. This is a lesson that Singapore has learnt on its journey to urban sustainability. The World Cities Summit, Singapore International Water Week and CleanEnviro Summit Singapore demonstrate global thought leadership for a more holistic and sustainable approach to city planning.”
“The theme for World Cities Summit—‘Common Challenges, Shared Solutions’ —reinforces the importance of collaboration between all stakeholders in urban development," said Ng Lang, CEO of the Urban Redevelopment Authority, co-organiser of WCS 2014. "With more than 100 mayors and 1,400 business leaders and industry experts expected to attend WCS, it is a leading platform for global leaders who shape cities to come together to address liveable and sustainable city challenges, share integrated urban solutions, and forge high-level partnerships.”
Source: Singapore International Water Week
