The forum is part of the Livelihoods Improvement of Urban Poor Communities Project (LIUPCP), an initiative by the Local Government Division, the UK Government, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The conference aims to address emerging challenges that necessitate collective action and to generate insights that will contribute to a consensus on sustainable urban policies, ultimately leading to the development of sustainable cities and communities.
In his opening address, Md Tazul Islam, the Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, highlighted the government’s efforts in preparing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Bangladesh Delta Plan to build a resilient nation. He also mentioned the finalization of the National Urban Policy to ensure climate-friendly development. “The government now prioritizes resilient infrastructure, integrated water resource management, community-based adaptation, afforestation and ecosystem restoration, and social protection programs to create resilient cities and towns,” he stated.
Stefan Liller, the UNDP Resident Representative, emphasized several critical issues, including the need for affordable housing and tackling climate-induced displacement. He underscored the importance of a bottom-up approach in achieving these objectives, noting, “A robust national urban policy is essential for planned development and achieving a climate-smart, sustainable urban development vision for Bangladesh. UNDP is committed to continuing technical cooperation to promote sustainable growth.”
Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, lauded the country’s success in reducing extreme poverty over the past three decades despite rapid urbanization. However, she acknowledged that cities still face significant challenges. “The Urban Resilience Forum is a concrete demonstration of the Bangladeshi Government and development partners’ commitment and interest in supporting inclusive and climate-smart urban development,” she said.