Prime Minister Hun Sen addresses the ASEAN Mayors Forum and Meeting of Governors/Mayors of ASEAN Capitals, held in Phnom Penh on December 2. SPM
Prime Minister Hun Sen said that building smart cities in ASEAN using digital and green technologies is the correct decision now and for the future, as smart cities have great potential to address many of the problems associated with urban planning.
The premier made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Mayors Forum and Meeting of Governors/Mayors of ASEAN Capitals, held in Phnom Penh on December 2.
“In a context where ASEAN and the world are facing a series of challenges, building smart cities with the use of digital and green technologies is the right direction for now and in the future,” he said.
He said smart cities have the potential to support innovative urban planning, strengthen resilience to many risks, and especially to improve the wellbeing and prosperity of their residents, in the context of Covid-19.
He added that smart cities will become important poles in encouraging socio-economic activities, boosting business, trade and investment and will provide jobs and business opportunities to the general population of each country and the whole ASEAN region.
As the world is currently in a state of uncertainty amid the pandemic and conflicts, Hun Sen appealed to the ASEAN mayors to focus on building smart cities and on facilitating lifestyle changes under the new normal. This include considering managing people’s adaption to any demographic change or changes that may occur, both now and in the future.
“The Governors/Mayors of ASEAN Capitals, who are close to the people, must raise their awareness and ability to embrace digital technology, as well as begin to focus on the circular economy and the green economy,” Hun Sen said.
He continued that the delays in building smart cities in the region could occur because of the growing trend of digital gaps. They need to promote a culture of knowledge exchange and the sharing of experiences around smart city building.
The prime minister suggested that the ASEAN local administrations support his proposed ASEAN Green Deal in order to contribute to building greener ASEAN smart cities and the more effective use of resources.
