Official programme for the Kota Kinabalu International Mayors’ Dialogue 2026, held 10-14 October 2026 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. 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 for the Kota Kinabalu International Mayors’ Dialogue 2026, held from 10 to 14 October 2026 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The document is designed for participating mayors, city leaders, international delegates, and event attendees. It outlines the full schedule, session themes, and logistical details for the five-day dialogue.
The programme is organised around the theme 'Future Coastal Cities: Advancing Blue Economy, Digital Governance and Urban Resilience'. Day 1 (10 Oct) covers arrival and a VIP reception at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Day 2 (11 Oct) includes a site visit to Gaya Island with a marine centre tour and coral planting, a fireside chat on marine ecosystems and blue economies, and the Mayor’s Welcome Reception at The Magellan Sutera Resort.
Day 3 (12 Oct) focuses on 'Leading the Future of Coastal Cities'. It features an opening plenary on growth, density and financing gaps, a closed-door Mayors’ Leadership Roundtable leading to the Kota Kinabalu Joint Statement, and a parallel session on building climate-resilient coastal communities. The day also includes the opening ceremony with the Chief Minister of Sabah, an exhibition hall visit, and a sunset promenade.
Day 4 (13 Oct) is titled 'Building The Future Coastal Economy'. It comprises three leadership plenaries: implementing blue economy policies, digital governance and smart coastlines, and a closing plenary. Topics include the tuna industry, fisheries, aquaculture, AI, digital twins, super apps, and urban data platforms. The day ends with a sunset dinner at the Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel.
Day 5 (14 Oct) concludes with the Mayor’s Green Legacy Programme, including a friendship tree planting at Tun Fuad Stephens Botanical Park, a farewell lunch, and departure of international delegates. The programme also details the KKIMD Exhibition held 12-13 October at Sipadan Hall 2, Sabah International Convention Centre, with a Future Coastal Cities Experience Zone and a Blue Economy Innovation Zone.