18 December 2014: A policy dialogue on sustainable urbanization in South Asia, organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), India’s Ministry of Urban Development, and the National Institute of Urban Affairs in India, highlighted the pressing demands on urban infrastructure in the region, including needs for shelter, livelihoods and healthy environments, as well as for the “soft infrastructure” of good governance and financing.

The Regional Policy Dialogue on Sustainable Urbanization in South Asia took place on 17-18 December 2014, in New Delhi.

Participants discussed strategies toward green, low-carbon and inclusive cities, including waste, energy and water management schemes. In the context of rapid urbanization of the region, they noted that India alone will contribute an additional 404 million urban dwellers between 2014 and 2050, and already accounts for almost one-third of the Asia-Pacific region’s total urban population.

Participants of the meeting outlined strategies for low-carbon, inclusive and sustainable cities, drawing on regional lessons and experiences. The dialogue examined how carbon-financing and governance initiatives could be adapted to future infrastructure needs of the sub-region, and supported new partnerships for urban planning and management.The dialogue also contributed to ongoing debate around the Government of India’s goal to develop 100 ‘Smart Cities’ in India, and to national agenda of countries in the South Asia sub-region.

Outcomes of the meeting will feed into preparations for the Sixth Asia-Pacific Urban Forum, to be held in May 2015, in Bangkok, Thailand, and the UN Conference (Habitat III) in 2016. [ESCAP Meeting Webpage] [Meeting Programme] [Concept Note] [National Institute of Urban Affairs Website]