Panel 2: Urban planning for sustainable cities

Main Stage

Panel 2: Urban planning for sustainable cities

BrightCove Video :

Banner :

Description :

The world is in an unprecedented period of urbanisation. As people migrate in masses to urban areas and city populations grow, far-sighted and integrated planning can ensure cities are developed sustainably. Not only does this result in more liveable and attractive urban centres, it also substantially reduces the costs of accommodating the rise in urban populations. A recent UN Global Compact-led report found that developing cities in a compact, connected and environmentally-sustainable manner could potentially reduce the capital costs of infrastructure investment by 6% or a staggering US$3 trillion, between now and 2030 due to economies of scale.

Such cities also enjoy other knock-on benefits, including energy savings, higher productivity and lower healthcare costs. In addition, where dense and connected cities allow commuting needs to be met by an efficient public transport system, walking or cycling, this not only reduces congestion and pollution, but also encourages social connectivity. Private developers can in turn benefit in such cities, since more space can be freed for housing, green spaces and other developments – which also enhances a city’s attractiveness to buyers.

To achieve such cities, an integrated, holistic approach to planning is required. Cities also need to foster inclusive societies and provide the structures necessary to integrate a wide spectrum of social groups. Policies that provide affordable housing not only facilitate this social integration, but also limits the occurrence of slums which typically lead to social ills like poverty and disease. What are some successful projects that embody sustainable urban development? How will the public sector work with private developers to build a compact, connected, green and socially cohesive city? This panel will explore the roles of both the public and private sectors in sustainable urban development, and discuss possible investment opportunities in today’s rapidly-urbanising world.

Speakers :

Dr Cheong Koon Hean

CEO, Housing and Development Board

Singapore
Mochamad Ridwan Kamil

Mayor

City Government of Bandung, Indonesia
Liew Mun Leong

Chairman, Changi Airport Group; Chairman, Surbana Jurong Group; and Founding President & CEO, CapitaLand Group (1996 – 2012)
Sir Stuart Lipton

Partner

Lipton Rogers Developments LLP
Moderator :

Khoo Teng Chye

Executive Director

Centre for Liveable Cities