Day 3 of the 81st Commission Session of the United Nations ESCAP in Bangkok was a powerful convergence of ideas, insights, and action. As a youth delegate representing Habitat for Humanity Asia Pacific and Youth For Good – Nepal, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in conversations that are shaping the future of our region.
The opening session, titled “Current and Emerging Policy Issues for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific,” brought together leaders from across subregions to discuss shared challenges—and collective solutions. Later I also joined three more dynamic sessions focused on smart cities, urban resilience, and climate finance. What stood out across them all was a shared vision of building sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready communities.
Regional Cooperation: From Vision to Collective Action
The morning session provided an important space for regional bodies to present how they are addressing the challenges of our time—from climate change to digital divides and economic inequality.
- BIMSTEC emphasized the toll climate change is taking on agriculture and the need for member-led cooperation.
- SAARC prioritized digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and workforce development as keys to regional recovery.
- TCS (Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat) highlighted cross-border environmental risks like sand and dust storms.
- ACD (Asia Cooperation Dialogue) spoke passionately about digital and climate literacy in rural education systems.
- The Pacific Islands Forum shared examples of tailored climate finance mechanisms and subregional collaboration for displacement and disaster resilience.
It was inspiring to see the interconnectedness of these efforts and to realize that regional integration—far from being a diplomatic buzzword—is a practical necessity for resilience and progress.
Urban Resilience and Nature: Rethinking the Future of Cities
The second session I joined was focused on Urban Resilience and Nature, exploring how our cities can become hubs of sustainability instead of stress. Nature-based solutions—like green infrastructure, water-sensitive planning, and urban forests—offered a hopeful vision for climate-adaptive cities.
This wasn’t just about policy or planning. It was about reimagining urban life as something in harmony with the environment, where communities are engaged and infrastructure is built to adapt. Cities can be places where resilience is woven into the streets, parks, and buildings that shape our daily lives.
Smart Cities for a Shared Future: Technology with a Human Heart
In the third session—Smart Cities for a Shared Future—regional voices highlighted how digital innovation can foster inclusive, people-centered urban environments. Ms. Lin Yang of ESCAP opened by noting that fragmented governance and weak institutional capacity are holding back progress, but smart solutions—like adaptive lighting systems and data-driven planning—are showing real promise.
Cities like Hangzhou shared bold innovation models such as the “City Brain 3.0” and employment support programs for young graduates. The Thai representative emphasized that technology must serve people, not just efficiency.
A standout moment came from Habitat for Humanity’s Gregg McDonald, who reminded us that housing—not just tech—must be at the center of smart city design. Housing solutions that are climate-resilient, inclusive, and participatory are key to truly sustainable urban development. The stories of using digital tools, track affordability, and support communities post-disaster were especially resonant with my work in Nepal.
Empowering Cities for Disaster Resilience and Climate Finance
The final session of the day I joined focused on disaster risk reduction and access to climate finance. City leaders shared struggles with the high cost of preparing viable funding proposals and the lack of technical expertise to turn intentions into action.
A speaker from Thailand shared how the country is implementing its 2050 vision using climate risk mapping tools to guide local planning. ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) and the City Climate Finance Gap Fund both stressed the need for local-level data and capacity-building.
During this session, I asked a second question, drawing on my five years of experience working at the grassroots: How do we ensure that frameworks for DRRM action reach the community level—where people are the first to react but often the last to receive help, How can we also make framework work as grassroot level as so far it has been on theory but not in practical?
The panel acknowledged this gap and highlighted the need to conducting focus group discussion and awareness session at local level local. This exchange deeply resonated with my experience and made me reflect on how often local communities are left out of plans that are supposedly designed for them.
Conclusion: A Youth Voice in a Regional Chorus
My experiences throughout the day—asking questions, listening to diverse perspectives, and engaging with transformative ideas—reminded me why we’re here. The ESCAP Commission is not just a place for policy—it’s a platform where ideas become action, and where voices from every corner of the region, including the youth, can contribute to a shared future.
From smart cities to grassroots climate resilience, we have the knowledge and the tools. Now, it’s time to scale what works, fix what doesn’t, and include those too often excluded.
Our future must be inclusive, sustainable, and resilient—and I’m proud to be part of the generation working to make it happen.
– Pramesh Bhattarai
Founder
Youth For Good – Nepal
