My fellow Ministers, 
Madame Executive Director, 
Honourable Mayors, 
Your Excellencies, 
Ladies and gentlemen,

I have the pleasure of recording this video message to mark the celebration of World Cities Day 2025. As the digital revolution transforms our cities and communities, I welcome this year’s theme of People-Centred Smart Cities. I also congratulate the city of Bogotá, Colombia, the host of this year’s global observance of World Cities Day.

I fully support UN-Habitat’s advocacy for a more equitable and people-centred approach as we continue to integrate digital technologies and the use of Artificial Intelligence in the development of human life throughout our human settlements. It is no coincidence that this transition from the analogue to the digital is taking place during this time of rapid urbanization. Just as humanity is becoming homo-urbani; so too will future generations be living in smart cities.

Ladies and gentlemen,

People-centred smart cities harness digital innovation, ensuring that technology is designed and implemented to serve the needs of people and communities, not the other way around. It is by putting people first that we take full consideration of broader societal and environmental impacts. This is essential to accelerate progress in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda that will help us realise the promise of a brighter, more sustainable urban future for all.

Furthermore, by grounding development policies in inclusivity, we can direct the power of smart city technologies and practices toward sustainable urbanisation. This means leveraging innovation to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of urban governance. We must harness Artificial Intelligence to strengthen evidence-based decision-making, and channel its potential to elevate the quality of life for all – through improved healthcare, equitable access to basic services and the adoption of circular economic practices.

Ultimately, a people-centred approach is defined by its commitment to leveraging technology to advance human rights. As the nature of work evolves, we must proactively manage this transition - mitigating job displacement by creating new opportunities and upholding the fundamental right to equitable development. I am reminded of the powerful words of Malaysian Prime Minister, the Honourable Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, who cautioned us against creating “a tale of two cities: one for the rich, and another for the rest.” Without a firm commitment to people-centred design, smart cities risk exacerbating inequality and denying future generations the better urban future we have promised them.

I am happy to share about Malaysia’s Smart City policy that is anchored in several key national policy documents and development frameworks to guide the country’s urban transformation. Central to this agenda is the Malaysia Smart City Framework, published in 2019 by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, a national guide for smart city implementation at the local government level through seven core components: Smart Economy, Smart Environment, Smart Living, Smart Mobility, Smart Governance, and Smart People and Smart Digital Infrastructure. And, the Twelfth Malaysia Plan further strengthens this direction by integrating smart city initiatives into national urban strategies, with an emphasis on digitalization and the development of low-carbon cities.

We are heartened to see so many Member States already advancing their own smart city agendas, and we strongly encourage others to join in this crucial endeavour. Our collective success depends on widespread and effective action.

As we look ahead to World Cities Day 2025, let us redouble our efforts. Let our shared goal be to transform our urban landscapes into places of greater opportunity, equity, and joy - cities that are truly liveable and loveable for generations to come.

Thank you!