MBKS leads multi-stakeholder effort to develop 4-year child-friendly city action plan

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 3: The Council of the City of Kuching South (MBKS) has taken a major step toward making Kuching South a more inclusive and child-friendly city under the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) by organising a key multi-stakeholder planning workshop to co-develop a comprehensive four-year Plan of Action.

Held in collaboration with UNICEF Malaysia and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, the session brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from schools, non-governmental organisations, government agencies, and MBKS councillors and officers, with the shared goal of promoting the rights and well-being of children across Kuching South.

MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng expressed his sincere appreciation to UNICEF Malaysia and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, for their vital support in making the workshop possible.

He also acknowledged that their continued collaboration has played a crucial role in advancing MBKS’s efforts to create a more inclusive and child-friendly urban environment.

Highlighting the importance of a collaborative, whole-of-society approach, Wee emphasised that the plan will go beyond infrastructure development.

“While facilities are important, a truly child-friendly city must also address social, emotional, and behavioural issues including mental health, bullying, gender inclusiveness, and the promotion of positive values,” he said.

Wee further underscored that the initiative is ultimately about securing a better future for the younger generation.

“We are doing this for the children who live, learn, and play in Kuching South today and who will one day shape our city’s future. It is our responsibility to ensure they grow up in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment,” he added.

He reaffirmed his belief that the true measure of a city lies in how well it serves its most vulnerable citizens.

“Let this action plan be our commitment to serve not just for today, but for tomorrow.”

The MBKS CFCI Plan of Action Workshop represents an important step in embedding child-focused policies and practices within local governance.

With strong support from its partners and the community, MBKS remains committed to making Kuching South a model city that prioritises the rights, voices and well-being of every child. – DayakDaily

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