VIENNA, Austria – While every city faces unique challenges, solutions created locally – from flood protection to involving communities in decision-making – resonate far beyond borders.

This was the key message by National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, who chaired the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum in Vienna on July 3 and 4.

The Mayors Forum gathered leaders from more than 50 cities who convened in Vienna City Hall to discuss pressing urban challenges and share best practices across themes that include affordable housing, alternative energy and water management.

“The most innovative solutions often emerge when we reach out and learn from one another... That combination of being clear about what we want to do, but also being very open to learning from others and sharing best practices with one another gives us the greatest likelihood of success,” said Mr Chee in his closing address to delegates.

In highlighting citizens’ participation in shaping policies, the minister cited the example of Caracas’ government plan that guides the country’s development through 2030. The plan has seven pillars, including expanding Venezuela’s economy beyond oil and reducing crime and violence.

This road map for Venezuela was formed through extensive consultations with communities across the country.

“Today, residents of Caracas are empowered to shape national priorities, and also supervise transformation projects...,” said Mr Chee. “When governments actively partner citizens, we can deliver more effective services for all.”

On the topic of preventing natural disasters, Vienna’s unconventional flood protection measure, which involved building an island in the middle of a river, was highlighted. 

To prevent the banks from overflowing during flooding events, the Danube River which runs through the city had a side channel carved next to it in the 1980s, essentially widening the river. The cultural city had suffered several floods in the 1800s...