Official programme for the Kota Kinabalu International Mayors' Dialogue 2026, held 10-14 October 2026. The event brings together mayors, city leaders and experts to discuss coastal city transformation under the theme 'Future Coastal Cities: Advancing Blue Economy, Digital Governance and Urban Resilience'.
This is the official programme booklet for the Kota Kinabalu International Mayors' Dialogue 2026, a five-day conference held from 10 to 14 October 2026. The document is intended for participating mayors, city officials, delegates and event staff attending the dialogue in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
The programme opens with a schedule overview. Day 1 (10 October) covers arrival of international delegates, a VIP reception at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, hotel check-in and registration. Day 2 (11 October) features a site visit to Gaya Island including a marine centre tour, coral planting activity, a fireside chat on marine ecosystems and blue economies moderated by Dr. Susan Pudin, and the Mayor's Welcome Reception at The Magellan Sutera Resort.
Day 3 (12 October) focuses on setting the intellectual agenda for coastal city transformation. The opening plenary addresses growth, density and the financing gap for coastal cities, with panellists including Mayor Greg Ostertag of Mount Vernon, Texas and Noni Agetha from Bontang City, Indonesia. A closed-door Mayors' Leadership Roundtable discusses governance, public trust and climate pressures, leading to adoption of the Kota Kinabalu Joint Statement. A parallel session covers…
Day 4 (13 October) examines building the future coastal economy. Leadership Plenary 1 explores implementing blue economy policies, with a keynote on Sabah Maju Jaya development plan and panellists from Cotabato and Malé. Leadership Plenary 2 covers digital governance and intelligent marine urban futures, featuring speakers from the Malaysian Space Agency and mayors from Kuantan and Dearborn Heights. The day closes with a sunset dinner. Day 5 (14 October) includes a tree planting programme at…
The document also details the KKIMD Exhibition held 12-13 October at Sipadan Hall 2, Sabah International Convention Centre, featuring a Future Coastal Cities Experience Zone and Blue Economy Innovation Zone. Venue information, dress codes and programme flows for each session are provided throughout.