GLOBE-Net, July 5, 2012 - Last Sunday, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed an audience of over 3,000 people on issues revolving around water innovations and integrated urban solutions for sustainable and liveable cities.

These leaders and experts, mayors and governors, ministers and government officials were gathered for the Joint Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception for the Singapore International Water Week, World Cities Summit and CleanEnviro Summit Singapore.

Led into the hall by a traditional Chinese dragon dance, the Guest of Honour, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, took to the stage to welcome the delegates of all three events and provoke thoughts and solutions to some of the environmental and waste challenges faced by Asia's rapidly expanding cities.

"There is one common theme that links these events together: how to develop liveable and sustainable cities, and to build for ourselves beautiful and endearing homes," said Mr Lee. The challenge, he noted, is to do so in the face of an unprecedented scale of urbanisation, driven largely by emerging economies, and in Asia in particular.

"It's a tremendous time of change, and a tremendous opportunity for development and progress, because cities can be a better habitat for the world's population. They are economically dynamic, culturally diverse and they can be environmentally friendly," said Mr Lee.

To achieve this requires proper planning, efficient administration and public support, including support for policies to protect the environment. Each city confronts these issues in its context.

However, as Mr Lee noted, most share similar objectives - a vibrant economy that provides good jobs, a safe and secure environment, good public services, and effective governance. These shared goals mean there are always insights to be gained from others.

Given Singapore's small size and high population density, sustainability and liveability have always been a vital part of its development. It has protected nature reserves, built parks and gardens, and cleaned up rivers and waterways.

"We have managed the consumption of scarce resources," said Mr Lee. "Water, a strategic vulnerability, has been turned into a strength." This has been achieved by expanding water catchments with new reservoirs, pricing water fully, and developing NEWater technology, to maximise the value of the water it has through reuse.

Marina Bay is a good example of Singapore's transformation over the past 40 years. Formerly a highly polluted river running into the sea, the area was revitalised through land reclamation, building Marina Barrage, and the creation of Gardens by the Bay. It has been developed into a bustling business centre and recreation hub.

"It is now an icon that all Singaporeans can be proud of and identify with, and think of when we talk of home, of Singapore," said Mr Lee.

While Singapore offers some good examples of how cities can make themselves more sustainable and liveable, it is by no means resting on its laurels. Mr Lee said there was much to be learned from others, citing New York City, the winner of the 2012 Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, as an example of how strong leadership and community participation can transform mature cities.

Mr Lee added, "We are determined to continue improving Singapore so that our people live comfortably and pleasantly. This is how we will make Singapore the best home for all of us."

The Singapore International Water Week, World Cities Summit and CleanEnviro Summit Singapore ran concurrently from July 1 to 5, 2012. This article was offered through SOLUTIONS, produced by NOVUS Media Solutions.