Building resilience: Asia’s sustainable development imperative

Asia has long been heralded as a beacon of progress in poverty reduction, lifting 1.5 billion people out of extreme poverty within two generations. Yet, this remarkable achievement cannot mask the region’s remaining challenges. Over 185 million people remain trapped in extreme poverty, living on less than $2.15 a day, and projections suggest that 266 million more could fall into poverty by 2040. Climate change compounds these vulnerabilities, leaving communities in Asia, the world’s most disaster-prone region, grappling with recurring crises.

In these challenges, sustainable infrastructure, climate action and resilient health systems emerge as pillars of hope. These interconnected priorities are not merely aspirational but essential for securing the region’s hard-earned progress and ensuring a future where no one is left behind. I have witnessed how transformative projects across Asia and the Pacific bring the promise of sustainable development to life.

A region on the frontlines: rising risks and unyielding challenges

From typhoons to floods, Asia’s exposure to climate-related disasters is unparalleled. In 2023 alone, the region endured the highest number of weather, climate and water-related hazards globally, according to the World Meteorological Organization. The impacts of these disasters are devastating, both in human and economic terms. Bangladesh, ranked seventh on the Global Climate Risk Index 2021, exemplifies the stakes. In the country, Cyclone Remal and recurrent floods have left over 18 million people affected, with six million in urgent need of assistance. Coastal erosion, rising sea levels and intensifying cyclones further threaten the livelihoods of millions.

In Bangladesh’s southwest Satkhira district, the European Union-funded, UNOPS-managed Lives in Dignity Grant Facility has supported vulnerable communities affected by climate displacement. Between 2022 and 2024, two partners, Uttaran and Educo, worked alongside communities and authorities to strengthen resilience, improve access to sanitation, water and income opportunities, and enhance disaster preparedness, management and adaptation for some 7,000 people. This initiative highlights how these integrated, locally driven solutions can help vulnerable populations rebuild and thrive by acting as a catalyst for collaboration and enabling communities to lead adaptation efforts.

Resilient health systems: key to weathering future crises

Sustainable development cannot succeed without robust health systems. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of accessible, resilient health infrastructure. Yet, many Asian countries still face significant healthcare delivery gaps exacerbated by climate-related disruptions. Investing in health infrastructure – from hospitals to clean water systems – is essential for improving public health and enhancing communities’ ability to withstand shocks.

At UNOPS, we support initiatives that align infrastructure investments with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), driving sustainable progress and lasting impact. For example, we have worked with the Government of Bangladesh and the Global Fund to procure and install 29 oxygen plants across district and rural (upazila) hospitals. This project, valued at over $16 million, strengthens Bangladesh's healthcare infrastructure with a sustainable, local supply of medical oxygen, reducing the country’s reliance on external suppliers. These oxygen plants provide oxygen at a fraction of the cost, 17 to 22 times lower than cylinder-based supplies– enabling tens of thousands of patients to receive life-saving oxygen therapy daily and benefitting over 8.2 million people annually. This initiative also enhances emergency preparedness, ensuring hospitals are ready for surges during public health crises or natural disasters. Such projects show us that proper development is not just about growth but about building the strength to endure –ensuring every community is prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Tackling plastic pollution: regional collaboration for global impact

Plastic pollution represents another critical challenge for sustainable development in Asia. The Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) with UNOPS support, exemplifies how regional collaboration can drive impactful solutions. Covering all eight South Asian nations, including Bangladesh, this initiative fosters circular economy innovations to reduce plastic waste entering our oceans. UNOPS contributions –from project management and procurement to infrastructure support– have been instrumental in promoting knowledge-sharing, building partnerships and advancing best practices in plastic waste management.

In addition to supporting grant investments for circular solutions, UNOPS facilitated the construction of SACEP’s green headquarters, incorporating sustainable design principles that reflect the project’s environmental ethos. By addressing the root causes of plastic pollution and equipping communities with the tools to adopt sustainable practices, the PLEASE project aligns with broader global efforts to protect our ecosystems and combat climate change.

The way forward: lessons for Bangladesh and beyond

Bangladesh’s vulnerabilities to climate change and its commitment to sustainable development hold valuable lessons for the broader region. The Lives in Dignity Grant Facility’s innovative approaches, such as climate-smart agriculture and livelihood diversification, demonstrate the importance of tailoring solutions to local contexts. Community ownership, continuous capacity building, and integrated strategies that address immediate needs while fostering long-term resilience are critical to success.

Similarly, regional initiatives like the PLEASE project highlight the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing shared challenges. By leveraging partnerships with public, private and civil society actors, we can maximise impact and drive sustainable solutions at scale.

A call to action

Asia’s path to a sustainable future hinges on bold climate action, resilient infrastructure and more muscular health systems. For countries like Bangladesh, investing in these areas is critical to protecting progress and unlocking new opportunities. By combining global expertise with local innovation, we can drive real impact — creating a future where communities don’t just adapt but thrive.