SINGAPORE — Singapore's Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee delivered the opening remarks at the launch of the World Cities Summit Young Leaders Symposium 2014 on May 31 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Singapore, according to a press release.
Lee's speech was entitled "Seeding Change in My City" and described how WCS Young Leaders can be catalysts for change, the release reported.
"The seeds of change need to be planted today in order for cities to reap the benefits of sustainability and livability tomorrow. This is the charge of young urban leaders like you. The actions and decisions that we take today will determine the future of our cities," said Lee.
"Fifty-seven World Cities Summit Young Leaders from different parts of the world and diverse urban sectors have gathered here along with other distinguished guests. Many of you are prominent leaders in government, international organizations, corporations, non-governmental organizations and academia. This diversity is also a reflection of how city governments or policy makers cannot on their own create livable and sustainable cities. It requires the active and constructive contribution of the public, private and people sectors," continued Lee.
Lee went on to describe the various ways young leaders are making a difference in improving city sustainability and livability around the world, according to the release, and encouraged them to continue collaborating and learning "to seed the changes that will make a difference."
