Venice: Malaysia has been officially recognised as the first country outside Europe to join the Davos Baukultur Alliance, a global initiative under the World Economic Forum (WEF) that emphasises cultural values in urban development. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa announced this milestone recognition during her welcoming speech at the Davos Baukultur Alliance Members Annual Meeting 2025, held at Ateneo Veneto, Venice today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zaliha underscored the importance of integrating cultural values with urban development, stating that development is not merely a physical endeavor but also about preserving the soul and dignity of society. She emphasized that cities should be built with the spirit of "with the people, by the people, for the people," highlighting the holistic approach Malaysia is taking in its urban development strategy.

Dr Zaliha pointed out how the principles of the CHASE City development in the Federal Territories align with the eight criteria of the Baukultur Quality System, positioning Malaysia as a pioneer in adopting Baukultur principles outside Europe. She advocated for Baukultur to be a universal concept rather than solely a European one, stressing the global need for shared responsibility in creating sustainable and humane cities.

Furthermore, Dr Zaliha mentioned that the Federal Territories are poised to lead in translating Baukultur principles into policies, implementation strategies, and urban development designs. This initiative is expected to serve as a model for other regions, demonstrating how Baukultur principles can be effectively integrated into urban planning and management.