By Zaki Salleh
Photo MBI
IPOH: The Mayor of Ipoh, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin, represented the Ipoh City Council (MBI) in receiving the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award in Queretaro, Mexico, for the Ipoh Donut Economy Program.
Rumaizi was also invited as a panel member at the event.
The Ipoh Donut Economy Program, based on the nine DEAL principles, won the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award 2024 on August 27.
This award recognizes Ipoh’s efforts in becoming a regenerative ‘Donut City,’ focused on health, environment, and sustainable development.
In total, there are five award recipients worldwide for 2024: Ville de Rabat (Morocco), Alcaldía de Santiago de Cali (Colombia), Ipoh City Council (Malaysia), Allen Kong (Ocean Grove, Australia), and David Satterthwaite (London, United Kingdom).
The Ipoh Donut Economy Program was launched in March 2023 with a grant from the Hasanah Foundation.
This project is a collaboration between the Sunway University Planetary Health Centre (SCPH), Darul Ridzuan Institute (IDR), People of Remarkable Talent (PORT), and the Ipoh City Council (MBI).
The significance of this achievement lies not only in the award itself but also in the recognition of a shared commitment to transforming Ipoh into a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient city.
It reflects the profound impact of implementing the Donut Economy model, which integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions to achieve balanced and sustainable development pathways.
This achievement is evidence that cities like Ipoh, when guided by innovative frameworks, can thrive within ecological limits while enhancing the well-being of their communities.