August 12, 2024 | UCLG ASPAC, represented by Secretary General Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, took part in the 8th session of the Bridge for Cities Workshop, themed “Cities of Tomorrow: Collaborative Strategies for New Cities”, a flagship initiative by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to advance the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in urban settings. The event took place in Jakarta, on August 12, 2024.
As a precursor to the main Bridge for Cities 2024 event in Vienna, from 9 to 11 October, the workshop focused on developing new cities, such as Nusantara, while promoting productivity and economic growth. Discussions covered local industry enhancement, job creation, and the benefits of industrial parks and Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Key partners, including C40, UNOPS, and UN-Habitat, contributed insights on decarbonisation, low-carbon development, and innovative financing mechanisms for urban projects.
Highlights from Dr. Bernadia’s Presentation:
Dr. Bernadia’s session underscored the importance of robust urban development strategies in the face of rapid population growth, global competition, and climate challenges. She identified key strategies to drive productivity and economic growth in cities:
- Human Capital Development: Focusing on education, skills training, workforce mobility, and inclusion.
- Infrastructure Development: Enhancing transportation, connectivity, energy, and utilities.
- Innovation and Technology: Promoting research and development (R&D) and digital transformation.
- Effective Governance and Policy: Advocating for strategic urban planning and a business-friendly environment.
- Sustainability and Resilience: Ensuring environmental sustainability and resilience planning.
Dr. Bernadia also emphasised that cities are not a problem but the solution to global challenges. She highlighted the role of collaboration and networking in helping one another to enhance their capacities. UCLG ASPAC, serving as a central hub for local governments in Asia Pacific, is committed to supporting these efforts through its various Committees, including those focused on logistics, tourism, the Belt and Road Initiative, and maritime cooperation, as well as its Business Matchmaking programme, playing a pivotal role in fostering business partnerships and showcasing investment opportunities.
Key Messages from Dr. Bernadia
- Strengthening Local Government Capacities Through Collaboration: By collaborating with other cities, regional governments, and international organisations, local governments can enhance urban development and foster sustainable growth. Platforms like UCLG ASPAC provide a platform for sharing best practices and resources.
- Building a Resilient and Skilled Workforce Through Networking: Economic growth depends on a skilled workforce, developed through industry-education-government partnerships. Networking aligns skills with market needs and ensures continuous professional development, creating a resilient, adaptable workforce.
- Accelerating Innovation and Technology Adoption Through Strategic Networks: Innovation drives growth, and strategic networks speed up technology adoption. By linking startups, tech firms, and academia, cities can advance cutting-edge technologies and position themselves as economic leaders.
Dr. Bernadia also highlighted her dream that everyone has the right to essential resources and opportunities. It is crucial to ensure that all individuals, including women, people with disabilities, and youth, have access to safe living conditions, clean water, clean air, and protection from crime and poverty. The focus should not only be on material aspects but also on creating inclusive, equitable, and sustainable environments for all.
The workshop was inaugurated with welcome addresses from Ms. Gita Sabharwal, UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia; Mr. Tri Tharyat, Director General of Multilateral Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia; and Mr. Jie Zhao, Chief of Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, UNIDO. The event marked a significant step towards collaborative strategies for sustainable urban futures and the effective development of new cities. As we move towards the main Bridge for Cities 2024 event in Vienna, UCLG ASPAC remains dedicated to fostering collaboration and driving positive change across the Asia-Pacific region.
