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26 to 28 August 2019 | By invitation only

Since its origin in 2011, the ASEAN Mayors Forum (AMF) has been advocating for local governments’ indispensable roles and contributions to the ASEAN and global development, notably the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the New Urban Agenda (NUA), the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR). While local governments in Southeast Asia are embracing the benefits of urbanisation, their leadership and capacity need stronger support, collaboration and engagements at all levels. The 5th AMF will serve as a platform for discussions among ASEAN’s local political leaders, national policy makers, international development partners and other experts, on how cities and local governments can collaborate in the priority areas set forth for ASEAN’s SDG implementation as well as other relevant frameworks to address urbanisation challenges. 

In line with Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship, this year AMF will be hosted by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and contribute to the overarching theme of the Chair country: Advancing Partnership for Sustainability.
Specifically, the 5th AMF will aim at Driving Local Actions for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, in order to support ASEAN’s efforts to accelerate SDGs achievements while ensuring effective management of urbanisation, protecting environment and inclusive growth. The meeting discussions will be framed by the following sub-themes: Digital ASEAN (future-oriented), Seamless ASEAN (enhanced connectivity), and Sustainability ASEAN (sustainability in all dimensions). 

Objectives and focus of the discussions take into account the AMF’s relevance, linkages and contributions to other ASEAN cooperation frameworks such as the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN). Outcomes of the 5th AMF meetings and recommendations put forward by ASEAN Mayors will also feed into the 7th Asia-Pacific Urban Forum, which will be held in Penang, Malaysia, from 15-17 October 2019. The event will draw up to 300 participants, comprising mayors, representatives of local governments and local government associations from all ASEAN member states. Other participants will include the Permanent Representatives to and Secretariat of ASEAN, national government representatives, policy makers, academics, technical experts, development partner countries and institutions, specialised agencies and private sector representatives.

for more information, please contact

Environment and Development Division +66 2 288 1234 [email protected]