The ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF) was originally conceived in 2011 as ASEAN Mayors Forum (AMF) when visionary mayors in Southeast Asia met for the first time in Surabaya, Indonesia, to demonstrate the importance of local contributions to ASEAN's regional integration. It has received accreditation from ASEAN in 2018 and is a recognised platform for local governments across ASEAN Member States to exchange experiences, best practices, and solutions, focusing on sustainable development, urban challenges, and regional integration. AGMF has made a significant impact on the ASEAN community, contributing to the overall development and integration of the region. The forum's impact extends beyond individual cities, creating amore cohesive and prosperous region for the benefit of all ASEAN citizens.

It is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to governors, mayors, city planners, urban practitioners, and esteemed delegates from across Southeast Asia to the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Forum (ASUF) 2025, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. This Forum marks a historic milestone — the first dedicated urbanisation platform convened under the auspices of an ASEAN Chair. It is therefore a distinct honour for Malaysia to host this landmark gathering under the theme “ASEAN Future Cities and Regions: Inclusivity and Sustainability”, from 12 to 14 August 2025. As we look towards the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045: Our Shared Future, this Forum reaffirms our collective resolve to build a region that is resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people centred. The ASEAN Community Vision is not merely an aspiration — it is a 20-year commitment to deepen regional integration, bridge development gaps, and ensure that no city, community, or citizen is left behind. Today, we stand at a defining juncture where opportunity meets responsibility. The urbanisation trajectory of ASEAN must be guided by a forwardlooking vision rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and shared prosperity. This Forum provides a timely and strategic platform to transform ambition into action, through knowledge sharing, collaborative innovation, and strong multistakeholder partnerships. Let us seize this moment to shape cities and regions that reflect the best of what ASEAN stands for — unity in diversity, growth with equity, and progress with purpose. Together, we can build not only the cities of tomorrow, but the future we all aspire to.

This gathering serves as ASEAN’s premier platform for urbanisation and city development, fostering knowledge exchange and actionable strategies. Participants will engage with experts, explore new ideas, and contribute to a shared vision for sustainable and inclusive urban growth. Under the theme “ASEAN Future Cities and Regions: Inclusivity and Sustainability,” the event highlights the twin priorities of inclusive growth and environmental sustainability in shaping ASEAN’s urban future. It aligns with the ASEAN Community Vision, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, and the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy, advocating for cities that meet current needs, protect the environment, and foster social equity. Organised by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (MHLG) Malaysia in collaboration with URBANICE Malaysia, and hosted by the City of Kuala Lumpur, the event is co-organised by the ASEAN Secretariat , UCLG-ASPAC and UN-Habitat. It brings together local governments, policymakers, professionals, academics, and stakeholders to share best practices and drive urban innovation. The program includes official meetings, dialogues, open forums, training sessions, and assemblies, alongside an urban expo, city events, and technical visits.