Ipoh launches Doughnut Economic City initiative

The Ipoh City Council, taking a bold step towards sustainable development, has organized its first 2027 Doughnut Economic City of Ipoh town hall session for 2024.

This initiative marks Ipoh’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in implementing the Doughnut Economic concept, a framework that prioritises balanced development within environmental limitations.

Building a Shared Understanding

The inaugural session commenced with opening remarks by Ipoh Mayor Dato’ Rumaizi bin Baharin@Md Daud followed by a comprehensive explanation of the Doughnut Economic concept by Prof. Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood.

An interactive Q&A session moderated by TPr. Dr. Zulqarnain bin Mohamad, head of the Ipoh Doughnut Economic City Secretariat team, allowed participants to gain further insights into this innovative approach.

To enhance engagement, TJ Revan Lim from the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health conducted an online quiz, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

The Ipoh City Council has already taken several concrete steps toward realizing the vision of a Doughnut Economic City.

These initiatives include establishing a dedicated secretariat, commemorating relevant environmental days through community events, organising educational programs, and collaborating with international partners like the Doughnut Economics Action Lab.

Ipoh: A regional pioneer in Doughnut Economics

Ipoh stands as the first city in Southeast Asia to spearhead the Doughnut Economic City initiative.

This groundbreaking approach aligns with global efforts in cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, and Berlin, all aiming to achieve sustainable and inclusive development.

The Doughnut Economic concept goes beyond traditional economic models, encompassing circular economics principles, environmental protection, social justice considerations, and local context adaptation.

The establishment of the Ipoh Doughnut Economic City Secretariat by the Ipoh City Council underscores its unwavering commitment to this progressive vision.

This initiative, aligned with the Perak Prosperous 2030 targets, aims to integrate sustainable and inclusive development into all aspects of urban planning.

Ultimately, it aspires to transform Ipoh into a Smart Green City, setting a shining example for other cities in the region.

The success of this inaugural town hall session and future collaborative efforts emphasise Ipoh’s dedication to achieving sustainable economic development that benefits all its citizens.

As Ipoh embraces the Doughnut Economic model, it positions itself as a potential role model for other cities seeking dynamic and progressive solutions to contemporary challenges.