Ipoh's Doughnut Economy initiative earns UN recognition

IPOH: Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin is expected to accept the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Scroll of Honour Award for the Ipoh Doughnut Economics programme in Mexico next month.

Rumaizi will be accepting the award with Ipoh Doughnut Economic City chief executive officer Dr Zulqarnain Mohamad during a ceremony held in conjunction with World Habitat Day in Queretaro on Oct 7.

In a letter dated Aug 27, UN-Habitat executive director Anaclaudia Marinheiro Centeno Rossbach said the selection of Ipoh for the recognition was unanimous.

The decision was based on efforts to transition the city from a resource-intensive economy to a regenerative model focussed on health, waste management and ecotourism while aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This would be the third award for Malaysia.

The Subang Jaya Municipal Council won it in 2020 for its holistic and integrated approach to affordable housing and community empowerment.

In 2011, the award was given to MMC-Gamuda for its Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) project.

The Ipoh Doughnut Economy programme was launched in March last year with a Yayasan Hasanah grant, and is a collaboration of the city council, Sunway University’s Sunway Centre for Planetary Health (SCPH), Institut Darul Ridzuan, and cultural agency People of Remarkable Talents.

It is one of the flagship programmes under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 development roadmap plan to turn Ipoh into a Doughnut Economics City by 2027.

Rumaizi said the city council and its partners are committed to advancing the project to create a greener and more inclusive future.

"Our work serves as a testament to how cities, when guided by innovative frameworks, can thrive within ecological boundaries while enhancing the well-being of their communities.

"We are inspired to continue our efforts in aligning our development with ecological ceilings while enhancing the social foundation of Ipoh's community.

“The significance of this achievement lies not just in the award but the validation of our shared commitment to transforming Ipoh into a sustainable, inclusive and resilient city.

"It reflects the powerful impact of applying the Doughnut Economics model, which integrates economic, social and environmental dimensions to achieve a balanced and sustainable development pathway," he added.

Rumaizi also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming for their support and contributions.

"Their commitment and dedication have been instrumental in advancing the city's initiatives and ensuring the success of these projects.

"We are committed to strengthening our collaborations with stakeholders to build a resilient, healthy and sustainable Ipoh.

"We aspire to set a pioneering example for other cities in Malaysia and South-East Asia in adopting regenerative and sustainable urban development models," he said.