Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat highlighted the critical role of innovation and cross-border collaboration for sustainable urban development at the 9th World Cities Summit.

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat addressed the Opening Plenary of the 9th World Cities Summit on June 3, 2024, in Singapore, emphasizing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable urban development. The summit, which has grown into a global platform since its inception in 2008, gathered participants from over 90 cities worldwide to discuss the future of urbanisation.

DPM Heng stressed the accelerating trend of urbanisation, noting that more than half of the world’s population currently lives in cities, a figure projected to grow to nearly 70% by 2050. He highlighted the dual nature of urban growth, which brings both opportunities for economic and cultural development and challenges such as congestion, pollution, and overpopulation.

Addressing the theme of this year’s summit, “Liveable and Sustainable Cities: Rejuvenate, Reinvent, Reimagine,” DPM Heng outlined three guiding principles for fostering innovation in urban environments:

  1. Long-Term Investment in Research and Technology: DPM Heng underscored the need for cities to invest in research, science, and technology to address complex challenges like climate change and aging populations. He mentioned Singapore’s commitment of S$28 billion to the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 (RIE2025) Masterplan, supporting projects in urban solutions and sustainability.
  2. People-Centric Impact of Innovation: Emphasizing that innovation should improve lives, DPM Heng cited initiatives such as the Health District @ Queenstown, which combines efforts from government, academia, and healthcare sectors to enhance the well-being of residents. Projects like therapeutic gardens have shown significant benefits for seniors, reducing depression and improving cognitive functions.
  3. Building Collaborations and Partnerships: DPM Heng highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration, pointing to examples like Singapore’s partnership with the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to establish a green and digital shipping corridor. Such initiatives demonstrate the potential for cities to work together to tackle shared challenges like climate change.

DPM Heng also recognized Mexico City, the winner of this year’s Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, for its successful community engagement in implementing rainwater harvesting systems, improving water sustainability for its residents.

Concluding his speech, DPM Heng encouraged participants to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations to address global urban challenges and create a more sustainable and liveable future for cities worldwide.

Source – PMO