Visiting Putrajaya, Emil Dardak Highlighted Five Key Development Issues

TheIndonesia.id - Emil Dardak, serving as President of the Eastern Regional Organization for Planning and Human Settlements (EAROPH), visited Malaysia's new capital, Putrajaya, from July 22 to 24, 2024. His visit highlighted five major issues: urban health, green spaces, climate change, progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the exploration of future energy potentials.

EAROPH, under the United Nations Habitat, comprises international professionals and academics in urban planning, architecture, engineering, environmental science, and developmental economics. This organization brings together experts and government and non-government entities to provide recommendations to governments globally.

This is not the first time Emil Dardak has addressed climate change and SDGs. In 2016, as Vice President of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), he delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in Quito, Ecuador, presenting challenges and solutions in combating climate change.

During his visit, as quoted from his press release, Emil Dardak alongside EAROPH officials, met with Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud, President of the Putrajaya Authority, and Malaysia's Federal Territories Minister, Datuk Zalifa Mustafa. The meetings underscored significant urban issues, including health, green spaces, and climate change, vital for developing sustainable and livable cities.

"As President of EAROPH International, we are grateful for the opportunity to present and discuss the work of EAROPH globally with the Minister for Federal Territory of Malaysia, Datuk Zalifa Mustafa, who is accompanied by Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud as the President of Putrajaya Authority (head of the capital city). We touched on issues ranging from urban health, green space, climate change, SDG progress, and we are glad to explore potential future synergy. The Ministry is also in charge of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan in addition to Putrajaya. I was accompanied by EAROPH Secretary General, Datin Mazrina Abdul Khalid, as well as three previous secretary generals who are also our honorary presidents," said Emil Dardak.

Emil Dardak emphasized the importance of these issues on his official Instagram account, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to discuss EAROPH's global initiatives with Malaysian officials. He highlighted the Ministry's oversight of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, alongside Putrajaya, showcasing Malaysia's comprehensive urban planning efforts.

"I am also impressed by the well-planned development of Putrajaya, the beautiful lake, greenery, and pedestrian infrastructure. Putrajaya is an example of how a new capital city can be developed very well and is a source of optimism for other countries looking towards developing new cities, such as Indonesia's IKN," he added.

Emil Dardak's visit to Putrajaya marks a significant step in international cooperation on urban development issues. By addressing critical topics like urban health, green spaces, and climate change, EAROPH aims to foster sustainable urban growth and improve living conditions globally.