Urban governance in Asia and the Pacific faces significant challenges due to rapid urbanization, climate change, and disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to these pressing issues, the UNDP, in collaboration with partners, organized a High-Level Policy Dialogue in October 2024. This initiative resulted in the policy brief Reimagining Urban Governance in Asia and the Pacific.
Building on this dialogue, the Local Public Sector Alliance’s (LPSA) Regional Working Group on Asia hosted a Knowledge Sharing Event to explore UNDP’s perspectives on transformative urban governance. The discussion focused on anticipatory, adaptive, and agile governance frameworks, as well as innovative practices from across the region. The virtual event was held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 3:30 PM Delhi time (5:00 PM Bangkok, 6:00 PM Manila).
The panel discussion was opened by LPSA Asia Co-Chair Rachana Shrestha, Senior Public Management Specialist, ADB.
Diana Torres, Regional Governance Advisor at UNDP Asia, discussed the urgent need for innovative governance models to address the complex and interconnected challenges facing cities in Asia and the Pacific, including health crises, inadequate public services, and climate change. She emphasized the importance of visionary leadership that prioritizes long-term, sustainable solutions over short-term decision-making, ensuring resilience and inclusivity for future generations.
At the core of her vision is people-centered governance, which recognizes and responds to the diverse needs of citizens, especially marginalized groups such as migrant workers and people with disabilities. Torres stressed the need to protect the rights of future generations, ensuring urban development is both inclusive and sustainable. Equally important is adopting nature-conscious approaches by integrating environmental considerations and biodiversity preservation into urban planning to enhance climate resilience.
Torres called for governance that delivers meaningful outcomes, built on adaptability, anticipation, and collaboration. She highlighted the role of multi-level governance and public-private partnerships in mobilizing resources and implementing transformative solutions. She also underscored the power of digitalization and active citizen engagement in unlocking innovation in urban development.
The UNDP plays a crucial role in this transformation by facilitating policy dialogues, conducting research on adaptive governance, and supporting city-to-city exchanges to share best practices. Through initiatives like urban pilot projects and partnerships with local governments, UNDP aims to enhance capabilities in systems thinking and deep listening, ultimately fostering resilient, inclusive, and thriving urban environments.
Binh Le Quang shared insights on Livable Hanoi a transformative community-based initiative in Hanoi, Vietnam, which aims to improve living conditions for migrant workers and laborers in neglected riverbank areas. These areas, characterized by affordable rents and proximity to the city center, had long been plagued by waste dumping and neglect.
Starting in 2021, the project revitalized over 20,000 square meters of polluted land into multifunctional public spaces, including playgrounds, youth areas, and community gathering spots. A key element of the initiative is fostering a sense of ownership among residents, ensuring sustainable management and preventing misuse. This model of community-driven urban renewal has become a blueprint for engaging local authorities and civil society organizations to create inclusive, resilient urban spaces.
This initiative has not only improved living conditions and advocated for sustainable city planning but has also provided valuable lessons on how to promote inclusive, resilient urban development, setting an example for cities facing similar challenges.
The panel discussion was followed by a Q&A session. Rachana Shrestha concluded the meeting and announced the next knowledge sharing meeting of the Expert Working Group on Asia for March 4, 2025. A video of the meeting is available on YouTube. The links below provide access to the video segments of the different agenda items.
| Agenda Item | Contributor |
| 1. Welcome and Opening Remarks | Rachana Shrestha Asia Working Group Co-Chair Senior Public Management Specialist, ADB |
| 2. Keynote: Reimagining Urban Governance in Asia and the Pacific: Perspectives from UNDP | Diana Torres Regional Governance Advisor, UNDP in Asia and the Pacific |
| 3. Case Study Presentations | Le Quang Binh Coordinator, Livable Hanoi |
| 4. Panel Discussion and Q&A | Rachana Shrestha Moderator |
| 5. Closing Remarks | Rachana Shrestha |
The next Asia Working Group knowledge sharing meeting is scheduled on March 4th, 2025 – Register Here.
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