The Forum Aims To Drive Collaborative Innovation Through the PPPP Model.

Kuala Lumpur, 25 November 2024 – The Green Cities Investment Forum 2024 (GCIF24) took place from November 26-27 at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, marking a pivotal milestone in advancing sustainable urban development. Co-organised by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Centre for IMT-GT Subregional Cooperation (CIMT), ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, and the IMT-GT Joint Business Council, and supported by Malaysia’s Ministry of Economy, the event introduced the Green City Action Plan (GCAP), a transformative framework designed to foster resilience and sustainability in cities across the region.

GCAP: A Strategic Framework for Urban Sustainability

During the forum, the Green City Action Plan (GCAP) was unveiled as a blueprint for aligning urban development with global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. This framework facilitated collaboration between cities, businesses, and communities to address environmental challenges while building resilient urban spaces.

The GCAP framework included key elements such as:

  • Capacity Building: Empowering local authorities and businesses with the expertise to implement sustainable initiatives.
  • Innovative Financial Models: Providing solutions to lower investment barriers and direct funding toward climate-resilient projects.
  • Tailored Strategies: Developing customised approaches to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. Private Sector Took Centre Stage in Green Transformation

GCIF24 highlighted the critical role of the private sector in driving sustainable urban development. The event offered a unique platform for businesses to explore investment-ready projects, network with policymakers, and actively contribute to creating greener, economically vibrant cities.

By engaging in GCAP initiatives, private enterprises expanded markets, enhanced their environmental impact, and unlocked new growth opportunities.

Event Highlights

Participants benefitted from a range of insights and experiences, including:

  • Showcasing GCAP Success Stories: Learning from cities that achieved significant economic and operational gains through their Green City Action Plans, inspiring others to adopt similar strategies.
  • Facilitating Strategic Partnerships: Bringing together government policymakers, private organisations, educational institutions, and financial institutions to discuss innovative financing models and investment opportunities.
  • Sharing Green and Smart City Experiences: Engaging in discussions that showcased the challenges, successes, and future prospects of real-world green city projects. Dynamic Forum Sessions

GCIF24 Programme Highlights:

  • Plenary Discussions: Offering insights into the economic and environmental benefits of GCAP from leading global cities.
  • Networking Opportunities: Enabling meaningful connections among governments, businesses, and financial institutions.
  • Project Showcases: Highlighting investable initiatives that addressed climate challenges and advanced urban sustainability. Laying the Groundwork for Future Progress

This remarkable event served as a transformative step in the region’s journey toward sustainable urban development. By introducing and championing GCAP, the forum inspired innovation and fostered collaboration across sectors, setting the stage for the Green Cities Investment Summit 2025.

About GCAP

The Green City Action Plan remains a cornerstone for advancing low-carbon growth, improving environmental quality, and enhancing urban competitiveness. Designed with measurable outcomes and a collaborative ethos, GCAP continues to empower stakeholders to lead sustainable transformations.