Malacon, delegation attend World Cities Summit

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Marvin Malacon of E. B. Magalona and Executive Assistant Matthew Louis Malacon are among the delegates from Negros Occidental’s Third District attending the World Cities Summit (WCS) 2024 in Singapore from June 2 to 4.

The delegation, led by Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, includes Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, Talisay City Mayor Nilo Jesus Antonio Neil Lizares, Murcia Mayor Victor Gerardo Rojas, and several key department heads from Victorias City and Talisay City.

“We thank Congressman Kiko Benitez and Victorias Mayor Javi Benitez for leading the Third District delegation to this year’s World Cities Summit. We will apply the valuable ideas and insights we have learned to address urban challenges in our municipality,” Mayor Malacon said.

In a Facebook post, Rep. Benitez, who heads the delegation, said, “It was great to learn and spend time with our Local Chief Executives as we continue to benchmark best practices in urban development and human settlements.”

“Learning directly from experts and fortifying our networks will help us better achieve our Balay Hilway advocacy for a smarter, more sustainable, and inclusive future for Metro 3rd,” added Benitez, who chairs the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development.

The WCS 2024, with the theme “Livable and Sustainable Cities: Rejuvenate, Reinvent, Reimagine,” kicked off at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre on June 2.

The WCS is a biennial assembly of government officials, business leaders, and experts from academia and international organizations. It is a platform for sharing knowledge and forging new partnerships to craft sustainable solutions to urban challenges.

Simultaneous sessions are organized along five tracks: Cities for People, Resilient & Regenerative Cities, Smart Cities, Sustainable Financing of Cities, and Future Cities.

Participants also have the option to attend side events such as the Young Leaders’ Symposium, Mayors’ Forum, Science of Cities Symposium, and Asia Infrastructure Forum.