VIENNA, Austria: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is stepping up efforts to create a more inclusive and age-friendly city.
The effort is part of MBKS’ broader push to promote inclusive and age-friendly development, highlighted during recent discussions at the World Cities Summit (WCS) Mayor’s Forum in Vienna today.
Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, who attended the forum, met with Associate Professor Aidan Wong, an urban studies expert from Singapore Management University (SMU), to explore strategies for enhancing inclusivity through urban planning.
In a press statement, MBKS said the discussion centred on making Kuching South more child- and age-friendly through thoughtful, inclusive planning.
Professor Wong, whose expertise spans child-focused development and the needs of ageing populations, shared best practices aligned with the city’s long-term vision of inclusivity and livability.
Wee highlighted MBKS’ achievements under the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), particularly the formation of the Kuching South Child Council.
“This platform ensures that our young citizens have a say in the city’s development. Their ideas, hopes, and aspirations matter.
“We are committed to creating a city where all voices, from children to the elderly, are heard and valued,” he said in the statement.
Impressed by Wong’s work in urban ageing, Wee expressed interest in adopting more senior-friendly strategies in MBKS.
He also invited Wong to visit Kuching and conduct a workshop with the Child Council to promote civic awareness and encourage intergenerational engagement.
