Today, was my second day I found myself sitting among global leaders and changemakers at the 81st Commission Session of the United Nations ESCAP, right here in Bangkok, Thailand. As a delegate representing Habitat for Humanity Asia-Pacific and part of the Youth Solutions Delegation, I continue to learn, absorb, and reflect on the ideas shaping our region’s future.
It’s not every day you get to be part of conversations that influence the trajectory of entire cities, regions, and generations. But here, it is just another day.
Session One: Regional Cooperation for Resilient and Sustainable Urban Development in Asia and the Pacific
This session laid the foundation for the day. While many different perspectives were shared, what resonated with me most was the spirit behind them: cities should be built by the people and for the people. One takeaway that stuck with me was a sentiment I’d summarize as: “Sharing is caring. Without humanity, no development is possible.” This idea echoed through many of the interventions and aligned deeply with Habitat’s values.
There was also a panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, featured:
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Mr. Tevita Boseiwaqa, who emphasized respecting community culture and religion, and improving local-national collaboration.
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Ms. Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, who highlighted four pillars: green energy, infrastructure (especially transport and mobility), financing, and innovation through technology like AI. She also called for action-oriented policy frameworks.
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Ms. Lajana Manandhar from ACHR, who brought forward the exclusion of vulnerable groups from development and advocated for community-based, people-centered solutions that give decision-making power back to the people.
Several country interventions followed—each offering insight into national efforts:
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Marshall Islands raised concern about rising sea levels and water scarcity.
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Solomon Islands emphasized enforcing building codes for climate resilience.
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Thailand introduced its “5×5 Let’s Turn the Tide” strategy, promoting inclusion and family well-being.
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Papua New Guinea highlighted its fast-growing population and upcoming National Housing Policy 2024–2034 focused on affordability.
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Nepal encouraged using urbanization to build healthy, prosperous communities.
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Cook Islands presented climate-ready infrastructure plans and smart city innovations tied to cultural inclusion.
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China, India, Vietnam, Iran, and others shared their smart city initiatives, low-emission transport goals, and regional solidarity strategies.
What struck me was the common thread: a collective push toward more inclusive, localized, and human-centric urban transformation across the Asia-Pacific.
2. Transforming Urban Transport for a Resilient and Sustainable Future
This was the side event that I attended. This panel discussion explored how transport systems can support resilience, inclusion, and smarter cities. One standout moment came when IEConnect presented data showing that less than 2% of gender-based incidents in public transport are reported—a stark reminder of the work ahead. Tools like the Njiani app are trying to close that gap, showing how digital solutions can improve safety, especially for women.
Other speakers brought thoughtful insights:
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Ms. Lin Yang (ESCAP) discussed transport resilience.
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Mr. Young Tae Kim (ITF) stressed that resilience must be embedded into planning from the start.
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Tim Dobermann (IGC – UK) shared how mobile phone data is used to measure road conditions and traffic flows in places like Bangladesh. Interestingly, even at midnight, speed remains low, indicating poor road quality—not just congestion.
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Nick Caros, PhD, introduced frameworks for real-time, flexible, and adaptive urban transport systems.
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From China, we learned how Shenzhen Bus Group managed to electrify all public transport in under a decade, driven by national frameworks like the New Energy Vehicle Industry Plan 2021–2035 and the 14th Five-Year Green Transportation Plan.
Nepal was also represented here by Shuva Raj Neupane, Superintending Engineer from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. He noted the lack of BRT and MRT in Kathmandu and highlighted the fragmented structure of current systems like tempos, microbuses, and mini-buses.
The big takeaway? Transport isn’t just about getting from point A to B—it’s about dignity, equity, and access, and needs to be reimagined through a gender and inclusion lens.
3. Special Body on Least Developed, Landlocked Developing and Small Island Developing States
This session zoomed in on the most vulnerable. From rising sea levels to economic isolation, these states face immense challenges—but also share inspiring stories of resilience. The Doha Programme of Action took center stage, focusing on strengthening development cooperation, especially in climate resilience, finance, and digital access.
I observed a key difference in tone: developing nations focused on what they need, while some developed nations focused on what they’ve already done or contributed. It’s a subtle but important distinction, and one that reminded me of the need for genuine solidarity, not just storytelling.
Regional cooperation, technical support, and inclusive policymaking were seen as essential to ensuring that no one is left behind—especially in fragile and isolated contexts.
Closing Thoughts
April 22 was a powerful reminder that cities aren’t just engines of growth—they’re places of belonging, equity, and opportunity. But only if we choose to build them that way. The challenges are real—but so is the hope. And I believe, now more than ever, that through regional cooperation and grassroots action, we can build cities that are truly inclusive, climate-ready, and centered on human dignity.
Let’s keep collaborating. Let’s keep building.
— Pramesh Bhattarai
Youth for Good – Nepal
