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DEPUTY Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has called for a collective and systemic transformation in how cities are built and sustained, stressing that urban biodiversity is a national priority embedded in the country’s broader developmental framework.
Delivering his closing remarks at the Urban Biodiversity Conference 2025, Fadillah, who also serves as Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, described the conference as a convergence of “thought leaders, policy shapers, and passionate advocates united by a shared mission to shape greener, more inclusive, and resilient cities.”
He expressed his appreciation to Sime Darby Property, strategic partners, and the organising committee, and extended his gratitude to DYTM Raja Muda Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, whose keynote address he said served as “a profound reminder that the stewardship of our environment is both a moral duty and a strategic imperative.”
“His words compel us to think boldly, act collectively, and leave behind a legacy of care, not merely consumption,” Fadillah said.
A Blueprint for Sustainable Urbanism
Over the course of the one-day conference, participants examined how urban biodiversity contributes not only to environmental sustainability but also to public wellbeing and economic resilience.
“We explored how blue-green infrastructure is more than aesthetic; it is a vital shield against climate-induced floods and extreme heat,” said Fadillah, noting that digital tools such as AI-driven analytics and satellite imaging can enhance the management of urban ecosystems.
He added, “The economic case has been made – cities that embrace biodiversity are cities that thrive, attracting investment, talent, innovation, and fostering long-term resilience. This is not just good for the planet, it is smart economics for the future.”
Embedding Biodiversity in the MADANI Vision
Fadillah reiterated that the MADANI Government places urban biodiversity at the centre of its policy agenda.
“Through the Ekonomi MADANI agenda, we pursue balanced growth – raising the ceiling of economic progress while lifting the floor of social inclusion,” he explained. Sustainability (Kemampanan), he noted, is a core value evidenced in national initiatives such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), and complemented by urban greening projects including the planting of 100 million trees, completed in December 2024.
He stressed that biodiversity must not be the privilege of a few, stating, “Every citizen – regardless of income, age, or geography – deserves access to clean, vibrant, and safe green spaces. Biodiversity must be democratic, not elitist.”
Malaysia’s national frameworks, including the Fourth National Physical Plan (NPP4) and the National Biodiversity Policy 2022–2030, are aligned with international commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Regional Leadership Under ASEAN Chairmanship
With Malaysia assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, Fadillah highlighted the opportunity to lead a regional shift towards “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
“Under our leadership, we will introduce the ASEAN Smart Cities Network Action Plan (2026–2035),” he announced, alongside efforts to spearhead the ASEAN Biodiversity Plan 2024.
He described the goal as shaping “an ASEAN that is not only economically robust but ecologically responsive – ensuring wellbeing for all 680 million citizens of our region.”
A Call to Action
In closing, Fadillah issued a direct call to leaders across sectors.
“To the captains of industry: embed biodiversity into the heart of your business models. Go beyond CSR – invest in biodiversity net gain, green supply chains, and nature-positive solutions.
“To our mayors and local governments: translate national frameworks into local action.
“To youth leaders and civil society: keep challenging, keep leading, and keep pushing us toward a better tomorrow.”
He added, “Let us be courageous – pushing boundaries in policy, design, and public engagement. Let us educate with purpose – ensuring every Malaysian understands their vital role in protecting our shared future.”
Fadillah added by affirming his full support for making the Urban Biodiversity Conference a recurring platform to track progress and encourage innovation, declaring: “Let us build cities that are not just smart, but wise – cities that breathe, nurture, and flourish. Cities our children will be proud to inherit and blessed to call home.” - August 5, 2025