INCORPORATING HAPPINESS AND WELL-BEING INTO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS FRAMEWORK

Abstract

This paper discusses the concept of happiness and well-being in the context of sustainable development. It describes situations where Gross National Happiness has become increasingly significant as compared to its traditional status of being sidelined over economic development and Gross National Income. This paper also highlights happiness criteria that have been used in selected countries and its potential as a basis for decision-making and policy development. To further highlight happiness as part of the sustainable development framework, the MURNInets (Malaysian Urban Rural National Indicators Network for Sustainable Development) initiative has incorporated Happiness index within its framework. Preliminary findings of the MURNInets initiative had also been highlighted including some facets on spiritual well-being contributing to the Happiness Index. Consequently this paper had reviewed the Bristol Happy City Initiative where rigorous local participation and social network had contributed to the creation of Happy Communities. This paper concludes by revisiting the relationship between place-making and happiness as the way cities and city neighbourhoods are designed and maintained have a significant impact on the happiness of its communities.

Keywords: Happiness Index, Well-being, Sustainable Development Indicators, Community, Neighbourhood design 

The article was published in MALAYSIAN TOWNPLAN JOURNAL Vol 08 Issue 01 December 2012

CIVIL SOCIETY EMPOWERMENT TOWARDS EFFICIENT URBAN GOVERNANCE IN KUALA LUMPUR CITY-REGION

ABSTRACT

The aim of this paper is to discuss on the concept of civil society empowerment towards efficient urban governance in Kuala Lumpur city-region. This is in line with Malaysia new government policy on the implementation of One Malaysia, People First, Performance Now. National Development has been a major issue in the country’s latest development agenda. The issue is more obvious in city-region due to its role as an engine of growth economy development. Now, with its sights set on attaining the economic level of a fully developed nation by 2020, Malaysia must focus on securing a credible share of the lead sectors of the globalised economy. The world today needs a new, comprehensive and holistic model of urban governance that involves all sectors (government, business and the civil society) as equal partners in development. Urban governance which integrates all sectors including public, private and other social organisations in participatory decision making. Efficient urban governance is characterized by sustainability, subsidiarity, equity, efficiency, transparency and accountability, civic engagement and citizenship and security. In line with this, Malaysia emphasis the importance efficient urban governance that would make Malaysia more competitive and attractive to investors and facilitate the achievement of the nation’s development goals.

Keywords: civil society, empowerment, efficient urban governance, city-region

 The article was published in MALAYSIAN TOWNPLAN JOURNAL Vol 08 Issue 01 December 2012 and prepared by  Dr. Azmizam Abdul Rashid (azmizam@townplan.gov.my)