Cities around the world are struggling to cope with global challenges such as climate change, overpopulation, resource constraints, energy and infrastructure management. Therefore, over the past 20 years, the smart city concept and Net-zero targets have promised to be the gateway to sustainable urban development and improved quality of life through participation with citizens and users in the urban environment. Despite these promises, the concept has been widely criticised for being market-driven rather than being able to solve the problems of people living in cities. This research hopes to build the framework for meaningful public participation for a sustainable future through the grassroots approach. It has two key components: literature review and case study on the meanings and effects of collective participation with local cultural organisations, to strengthen the voice of interest of a local community and build a long-term environmental vision together.