July 2, 2025 | Padang – UCLG ASPAC, under the framework of the Urban-Act (UA) Project, marked a strong collaboration among stakeholders in Padang City—one of UA’s pilot cities—in developing strategies to achieve climate resilience and low-carbon development. By supporting the formulation of the Climate Action Plan (CAP), the UA Project ensures that the plan is not only technically sound but also inclusive, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. To this end, UCLG ASPAC and the UA Project have been facilitating a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to strengthen stakeholder engagement in the CAP development process.
The first FGD was held on July 2 at the Mercure Hotel, Padang City, with a total of 34 representatives from Padang City Government bodies and enterprises in attendance. The FGD aimed to identify and align climate change mitigation and adaptation actions in the CAP with each agency’s strategic plan. Participants were also encouraged to propose sector-specific activities to address climate challenges. At the same time, the session served as a platform to strengthen the integration of climate actions into local development planning. Facilitated by the Local Planning Agency (BAPPEDA) of Padang, together with the Urban-Act team from UCLG ASPAC and GIZ, the discussion featured group activities such as mapping priority programmes, setting implementation periods (2025–2029), and assessing the priority level of proposed actions. In addition, the strategic programmes identified during the FGD will be incorporated into Padang’s RPJMD document.
Constructive inputs were shared on the first draft of the CAP, with particular emphasis on the need for more climate-relevant and updated data. Feedback varied across sectors. The Agriculture Agency proposed programmes on organic farming, irrigation system management, integrated agriculture, as well as farmer capacity building and incentive schemes. The Transportation Agency underscored the importance of policy support for transitioning from fossil-fuelled vehicles to electric buses through Trans Padang, alongside the development of sustainable transport infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Communication and Information Agency emphasised the integration of climate action into the broader city development agenda, particularly through smart city initiatives.
The outcomes of this FGD will play an important role in finalising Padang’s CAP, which will guide the city’s future policies and initiatives toward climate-resilient and sustainable urban development. Serving as a strong foundation for climate action, the CAP—once integrated into local development planning—will help ensure sustainability and secure the resources needed for its implementation. To build on these results, additional FGDs will be held to follow up on the discussions and further strengthen the findings from this session and the broader CAP development process. These will also include inviting participants from vulnerable community groups and villages.
