This Policy Brief reflects on the discussions, experiences and recommendations that emerged from the High-Level Policy Dialogue, “Leadership for the Future: Enhancing Urban Governance Practices for Sustainable, Resilient, and Prosperous Cities in Asia and the Pacific”, organized by UNDP in collaboration with ESCAP, UN-Habitat, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on October 15, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand (UNDP, 2024). The brief reviews governance practices in the Asia and Pacific region, emphasizing the critical role of leadership and the need for anticipatory, adaptive, and agile urban governance models to facilitate urban transformation. It provides an initial understanding and suggestion of a theory of change aimed at achieving transformative urban development, and seeks to foster interest across city governments, development partners, and other stakeholders. Additionally, the brief explores preliminary recommendations for collaborative efforts to close the gaps in SDG implementation, promote actions and knowledge exchange among authorities at the local level, and support a shared vision for equitable, sustainable, and resilient cities in the Asia and Pacific region.