October 2024 | UCLG ASPAC represented the interests of cities and local governments from the Asia-Pacific region at the 8th Committee on Environment and Development (CED) Meeting, held from 15-19 October at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. Organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the event brought together national leaders, experts, and international organisations to tackle urgent environmental and sustainable development issues across the region.
UCLG ASPAC’s Secretary General, Dr Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, addressed the opening session, underscoring the essential role of cities in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through climate-focused local actions. Highlighting UCLG ASPAC’s ongoing support for sustainable urban development, Dr Bernadia spoke about the Organisation’s work with Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and Voluntary Subnational Reviews (VSRs), which empower cities and local governments to align local policies with global climate targets. UCLG ASPAC has facilitated 13 VLRs and 7 VSRs, bolstering accountability and enabling cities to contribute meaningfully to national and international climate goals.
One of the event’s highlights was the launch of the Asia-Pacific SDG Localisation Platform, an initiative co-hosted by ESCAP, UN-Habitat, and UCLG ASPAC, in collaboration with Bangladesh and Malaysia. This platform provides local governments with resources, including policy briefs and e-learning courses, to help them integrate SDGs into their governance frameworks. Dr Bernadia reaffirmed UCLG ASPAC’s commitment to empowering local governments with the knowledge and tools needed for sustainable development.
UCLG ASPAC also took part in discussions on air quality, regional cooperation, and climate finance, sharing its initiatives that support cities in accessing climate funds and enhancing sustainable urban planning. The Organisation held strategic meetings with the partners of the Urban Act Project, to explore new collaborative efforts and follow-up actions aimed at fostering sustainable urban growth across the Asia-Pacific region.
The 8th CED Meeting showcased UCLG ASPAC’s leadership in advancing sustainable urban development and climate action, as cities across Asia-Pacific confront complex environmental challenges. Through its work, UCLG ASPAC continues to strengthen local capacity and foster regional partnerships essential for achieving resilient, sustainable cities.
Links to media related to the 8th CED:
- https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202410/18/WS67124240a310f1265a1c865e.html
- https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/772840
- https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO2410/S00262/un-forum-calls-for-enhanced-role-of-cities-in-national-climate-action-localizing-the-sdgs.htm
- https://www.miragenews.com/un-forum-urges-cities-role-in-climate-action-1340193/https://www.daily-sun.com/post/772777
