The 7th ASEAN-Japan Smart Cities Network (ASCN) High-Level Meeting

At the 7th ASEAN-Japan Smart Cities Network (ASCN) High-Level Meeting held in Takamatsu City on 10-11 November 2025, Head of the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) Mr. Shigeo Murata delivered a keynote speech titled “Inclusivity in ASEAN from UN Reports.” In his address, he highlighted the challenges facing ASEAN -- including rapid urbanization, demographic transitions, and the escalating triple planetary crisis -- drawing on insights from recent United Nations reports. He emphasized that, amid the slow global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthening the role of cities and advancing public-private collaboration are essential to building inclusive and resilient smart cities supported by digital technologies. With around 200 participants from Japan and ASEAN Member States, including online attendees, the meeting provided a valuable opportunity to share the latest smart city developments and deepen regional cooperation toward more inclusive urban development.