Objectives

This dialogue is designed to inspire new thinking and foster political commitment among a select group of influential city leaders. It aims to enable inter-municipal collaboration and knowledge sharing to support a common vision of future urban development based on innovative advancements in the region, as well as generate policy recommendations with city leaders in the region to boost leadership and governance capabilities to drive urban transformation in the region. 

Based on successful experiences in Asia, the dialogue will inform a joint policy brief that reflects on:

• Leadership for Renewed Urban Governance Models and Innovations: Identifying strategies and practices that drive accelerated urban transformation, emphasizing the role of leadership (anticipatory, adaptive, and agile) in co-creating a shared vision to build resilient, equitable, and sustainable cities. 

• Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration: Inclusive, greener, and more resilient cities are built through collaboration among citizens, the private sector, academia, and governments. Governments alone cannot drive the scale of transformation needed.  Urban challenges are complex and require adaptability and agility. Collaborative approaches in planning, designing, and implementing integrated solutions are essential. Digital and innovative platforms can be leveraged to engage citizens and foster a closer connection between governments and city residents. 

• Financing Equitable and Sustainable Urban Development: Cities need the ability to access an increasing share of national wealth and revenue, borrow, increase, and utilize local revenues, leverage land values, and apply complex financial products. There are positive experiences in the region that can help cities design a sustainable urban financing model.