April 28, 2023
The Penang Bay Area reaffirmed commitments towards the SDG Cities Global Initiative after officially being awarded the SDG Cities Silver Certification on October 31, 2022.
Yesterday, UN-Habitat’s Inter-Regional Advisor, Dyfed Aubrey, and Sustainable Urban Specialist, Tam Hoang, met with the esteemed Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, who reaffirmed commitments to the SDG Cities Global Initiative. The meeting commemorated the recent SDG Cities Silver Certification of the Penang Bay Area which was officially awarded on the 31st of October 2022.
This SDG Cities Global Initiative Silver Certification recognises Penang Bay Area’s efforts to accelerate the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda, by committing to inclusive evidence-based planning, strengthening the performance of local institutions to deliver SDGs, and prioritizing investment in projects that accelerate SDG achievement.
As well as being honoured with tours of the beautiful Penang Bay Area, Mr. Dyfed Aubrey, led an SDG Cities Certification Planning workshop on Advancing the Penang Bay Area towards Gold Certification at the Think City offices. Previously, the Chairman of the Penang Local Government and Housing Affairs Committee, Jiarixing Executive Councillor had expressed he was “confident that with the sincere cooperation of the local government, the Penang Chief Executive Agency, and the urban planning management organization Think City, the gold award is just around the corner.” Furthermore, Hamdan Majeed, Managing Director of Think City, has expressed the city’s desire to lead in becoming a family-first, green, and smart state through the SDG Cities Model.
The Penang Bay Area covers both Penang Island and the Seberang Perai Province, and with a focus on urban regeneration, it aims to develop as a green space as well as a safe and clean city. It is also worth noting that George Town, within the Penang Bay Area, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to UNESCO, the city represents an exceptional example of a multicultural trading town in Southeast Asia, forged from the mercantile and civilisation exchange of May, Chinese, Indian, and European influences.
The SDG Cities Global Initiative is looking forward to the continued working relationship between the Penang Bay Area and partners in the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.