KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to create a child-friendly city by hosting a key planning workshop in collaboration with UNICEF Malaysia and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak.
The workshop, held under the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), brought together representatives from schools, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government agencies, MBKS councillors and officers to jointly develop a comprehensive four-year Plan of Action aimed at promoting the rights and well-being of children in Kuching South.
MBKS mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng expressed his heartfelt appreciation to UNICEF Malaysia and Swinburne Sarawak for their crucial support in making the workshop a success.
He acknowledged that their ongoing collaboration had been instrumental in MBKS’ mission to create a more inclusive and child-friendly urban environment.
Wee stressed the importance of a collaborative, whole-of-society approach to building a truly child-friendly city.
“While infrastructure and facilities are important, a child-friendly city must also address social, emotional and behavioural issues such as mental health, bullying, gender inclusiveness, and the promotion of positive values,” he said.
Wee highlighted that the initiative was ultimately about securing a better future for the younger generation.
“We are doing this for the children who live, learn and play in Kuching South today and who will one day shape our city’s future.
“It is our responsibility to ensure they grow up in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment,” he added.
The mayor reaffirmed his conviction that the true measure of a city lay in how well it served its most vulnerable citizens.
“Let this action plan be our commitment to serve not just for today but for tomorrow,” he said.
The MBKS CFCI Plan of Action Workshop marks a significant milestone in integrating child-focused policies and practices into local governance, and with the strong support from partners and the community, MBKS is committed to making Kuching South a model city that prioritises the rights, voices and well-being of every child.
