PHNOM PENH: The 2022 ASEAN Chairman, Prime Minister Hun Sen, has urged the administration of ASEAN capitals and cities to consider building a sustainable, environmental and resilient ASEAN community to ensure the construction of good smart cities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Mayors Forum on Friday morning, 2 December 2022, at the Sokha Hotel in Phnom Penh, Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that the construction of smart cities aims to improve people's quality of life in healthy ways, with prosperity and resilience in mind.

The Prime Minister added that the construction of these smart cities requires the participation of all stakeholders, including local administrations, the private sector, development partners, national and international institutions, and especially the local people living in each country.

"In this sense, the municipal and capital administrations of ASEAN, which are directly adjacent to the people, must enhance their understanding and basic capacity to embrace digital technology and start paying attention to the circular economy and green economy," said Prime Minister Hun Sen. "At the same time, the ASEAN capital and city governments must create a conducive environment for doing business, trade, and investment, and address other issues that affect people's daily lives.”

The ASEAN Chairman also called for cooperation between all capitals to accelerate the connection of ASEAN smart cities and reduce any gaps in the construction of these smart cities.

He also urged ASEAN Local Governments to support the "ASEAN Green Agreement," which Cambodia proposed to hold in its Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2022, to contribute to building smarter ASEAN green cities, and to utilize resources more effectively.