Sustainable urban development essential amidst rapid urbanization and climate change

Experts called for sustainable urban development to create resilient cities capable of withstanding the adverse effects of climate change amidst rapid urbanization. They made this statement on the first day of the two-day "Urban Resilience Forum," which began on 26 July 2024, at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the capital.

The conference, part of the 'Livelihoods Improvement of Urban Poor Communities Project (LIUPCP)' by the Local Government Division, the UK Government, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will address emerging challenges that require collective action. Over the two days, it aims to generate insights contributing to a sustainable urban policy consensus, with the goal of building sustainable cities and communities.

Addressing the opening session as chief guest, Md. Tazul Islam, MP, Minister of the  Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & Cooperatives, said that The government prepared the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Bangladesh Delta Plan to build a resilient Bangladesh and finalise the National Urban Policy to ensure climate-friendly development.

“To make resilient cities and towns, the government now prioritises resilient infrastructure, integrated water resource management, community-based adaptation, afforestation and ecosystem restoration, and social protection programs” he said.

UNDP Resident Representative, Stefan Liller highlighted several key issues, including the importance of affordable housing and addressing the issue of climate-induced displacement. He stressed the significance of a bottom-up approach in achieving these goals, stating, "A robust national urban policy is essential for planned development and achieving a climate-smart, sustainable urban development vision for Bangladesh. UNDP is committed to continuing technical cooperation to promote sustainable growth."

Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, praised the country’s achievements in reducing extreme poverty over the past three decades amidst rapid urbanization, while noting that cities are still struggling to cope. "The Urban Resilience Forum is a concrete demonstration of the Bangladeshi Government and Development partners' commitment and interest to support inclusive and climate-smart urban development," she said.

Local Government Division Secretary Abu Hena Morshed Zaman chaired the session, while Local Government Division Joint Secretary Md Masum Patwary delivered the welcome speech.

Earlier, Jahangirnagar University's Urban and Regional Planning professor Akter Mahmud presented the keynote paper.

Key local, regional, and national stakeholders from the Government of Bangladesh, academia, civil society, and development partners will engage during the two-day conference.