Representatives from ten ASEAN member states met in Singapore on July 8 to discuss smart cities within the framework of the ongoing World Cities Summit (WCS). (Photo: asean-agrifood.org)Singapore (VNA) – Representatives from ten ASEANmember states met in Singapore on July 8 to discuss smart cities within theframework of the ongoing World Cities Summit (WCS), which takes place from July6 – 11.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dungrepresented Vietnam at the event.
It was the first meeting of member countries of the ASEANSmart Cities Network (ASCN) since the establishment of the ASCN was proposedduring the 32nd ASEAN Summit in May, 2018. It was also attended byrepresentatives of 26 cities piloting the ASCN, including three from Vietnam –Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
The meeting adopted a draft framework for a smart citiesnetwork at a national level to be submitted for review at the 33rd ASEAN Summit in November.
ASEAN nations exchanged their experience and shared theirplans to develop a smart cities network. They also discussed action programmesand cooperation to achieve goals for the development of smart cities.
The ASCN was initiated by Singapore, this year’s ASEAN chair.The idea is very original and up-to-date with trends of urbanisation andtechnological and digital development, said Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen QuocDung.
He stressed that Vietnam expects to work with ASEAN tobuild a joint ecosystem, make the most of technology and digital tools toimprove living standards for people in the pilot cities and create links withother cities in the region.
The 26 ASCN pilot cities include Singapore (Singapore);Manila, Cebu and Davao (the Philippines); Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei);Bangkok, Chonburi and Phuket (Thailand); Banyuwangi, Jakarta and Makassar(Indonesia); Battambang, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Cambodia); Johor Bahru, KotaKinabalu, Kuala Lumpur and Kuching (Malaysia); Luang Prabang and Vientiane(Laos); Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon (Myanmar); and Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh Cityand Da Nang (Vietnam).
The World Cities Summit is a platform for governmentleaders and industry experts to address liveable and sustainable citychallenges, share integrated urban solutions and forge new partnerships.
Themed “Liveable & Sustainable Cities: Embracing TheFuture Through Innovation and Collaboration”, the 6th World Cities Summit in2018 is exploring how cities can be more liveable and resilient through bettergovernance and planning, technology and social innovations, as well ascollaborations with stakeholders and other cities.-VNA
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