KUCHING: Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are exploring stronger strategic cooperation in sustainable urban development, inclusive governance, youth empowerment and community engagement.
The collaboration was discussed during a courtesy visit by a UNDP delegation led by its Resident Representative for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, Edward Mario Vrkić, to DBKU Mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman at the DBKU headquarters in Bukit Siol here yesterday (Aug 18).
The visit provided a platform for both parties to strengthen their existing ties and explore potential areas of strategic partnership in addressing current urbanisation challenges.
Discussions also focused on strengthening initiatives supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level, particularly through greater community and youth participation in local governance.
Among the areas explored was the expansion of opportunities for communities and young people to participate more actively in local decision-making, alongside capacity-building efforts to support a more sustainable and inclusive approach to urban development.
The engagement reflects the shared commitment of DBKU and UNDP to developing Kuching as an inclusive, resilient, sustainable and future-ready city, with community needs and well-being remaining central to the city’s development agenda.
DBKU also welcomed continued cooperation with UNDP in implementing initiatives that could contribute towards sustainable urban development and improve the quality of life of Kuching residents.
The courtesy visit further strengthened the strategic network between DBKU and UNDP, while opening avenues for both parties to translate shared priorities on sustainable development, inclusive governance and community empowerment into future initiatives.
The engagement reflects a shared commitment to making Kuching more inclusive, resilient and future-ready, with greater youth and community participation in local governance strengthening the city’s sustainable development agenda.
