AUSTRIA: Mayor of Kuching South City Council, Dato Wee Hong Seng together with Mayor of Kuching North City Hall, Dato Hilmy Othman, paid a courtesy call to Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna, Ikram Mohammad Ibrahim.

According to a statement, the meeting took place in conjunction with their participation in the World Cities Summit (WCS) Mayors Forum held in Vienna, Austria.

“During the courtesy call, both Mayors exchanged views with Ambassador Ikram on enhancing bilateral cooperation between Sarawak and Austria, particularly in the areas of sustainable urban development and economic partnership.

“The discussion centred on exploring opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, especially in areas where Vienna has demonstrated global leadership,” it said on Thursday.

In the statement, one of the key highlights of the meeting was Vienna's exemplary flood mitigation system, which underscores the importance of long-term investment in infrastructure and preparedness to address climate change-related risks.

“Both Mayors expressed their interest in studying how such best practices could be adapted to Kuching’s local context to strengthen urban resilience.

“Also discussed was Vienna’s success in turning municipal waste into energy through advanced incineration facilities, which currently supply power to approximately 50,000 Viennese households.

“The initiative exemplifies how innovative waste management can contribute to clean energy goals and circular economy efforts—an approach both Mayors are keen to explore in shaping Kuching into a greener and more sustainable city,” the statement said.

Both Mayors expressed their appreciation to the Ambassador for the insightful engagement and reaffirmed the commitment of both city councils to strengthen ties with international partners in pursuit of sustainable and inclusive urban transformation. -UKASnews