Rethinking Urban Governance: UNDP and Arup Spotlight Iloilo in New Asia-Pacific Report

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Arup, has launched a new report titled “Rethinking Urban Governance for Tomorrow’s Cities in Asia and the Pacific.” Featuring insights from Bangkok, Beijing, Ahmedabad, and Iloilo, the report explores how cities across the region are building resilience through innovation and collaboration. The study emphasizes anticipatory, adaptive, and agile governance models essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in today’s rapidly urbanizing world.

Iloilo and Asia-Pacific Cities Drive the Future of Urban Governance

Iloilo City takes the spotlight as one of the featured cities in the UNDP’s new report on urban governance in Asia-Pacific, underscoring the Philippines’ growing role in shaping inclusive and resilient city systems. The study, co-developed with Arup, demonstrates how regional cities are transforming challenges like climate vulnerability, inequality, and infrastructure gaps into opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth.

The report outlines UNDP’s framework for Anticipatory, Adaptive, and Agile Governance, showcasing:

• Collaborative decision-making that bridges implementation gaps in local policy.
• Resilience-building initiatives that support equitable access to urban services.
• Sustainability-focused innovation that accelerates progress toward the SDGs.

Through shared learning and best practices from Bangkok, Beijing, Ahmedabad, and Iloilo, the report calls attention to the power of localized leadership in creating future-ready urban systems.

Discover How Iloilo is Shaping Future-Ready Cities

The UNDP’s latest publication offers valuable lessons for policymakers, urban planners, and development partners across the Asia-Pacific region. By exploring the experiences of Iloilo City and its peers, the report inspires cities to rethink governance models and harness innovation to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.

Download and explore the full UNDP report on future-ready cities today to be part of the movement toward smarter, more resilient urban growth. https://go.undp.org/i4B