Advancing Human Security in Poly-Risk Planning in Asia-Pacific

January 27, 2026

Group photo of conference attendees in a large auditorium with a projected slide on screen. — UNDP BRH

Amid intensifying climate impacts, socio-economic shocks, and political instability, government representatives across Asia-Pacific are strengthening dialogue on integrated, people-centred approaches to resilience building in the region's increasingly complex poly-risk environment.

As part of these efforts the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS) convened the “Regional Knowledge-Sharing Workshop on Mainstreaming Human Security and Resilience Building” in Bangkok, bringing together high-level government officials from Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, alongside UN agencies, civil society organizations, and regional development partners.

“The human security approach is highly relevant in this context because it considers risks systemically and places people at the centre of development and resilience building. It is not just a concept, it provides a practical and actionable framework for navigating an increasingly complex and uncertain risk landscape” highlighted Mr. Gerd Trogemann, Manager of UNDP’s Global Policy Network and Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific.

Speaker at a podium in a wood-paneled room, microphone, and flower arrangement. — Opening Remarks by Gerd Trogemann, Manager of UNDP’s Global Policy Network and Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific

UNDP BRH

Audience seated at tables in a conference room, watching a speaker on a projector screen. — Opening Remarks by Kana Kudo, Programme Management Of-ficer for the UN Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS)

UNDP BRH

Advancing Human Security and Poly-Risk Approaches

Discussions highlighted the Human Security and Poly-Risk (HSPR) Methodology, being developed by UNDP, with support from the UNTFHS. This framework enables governments and development actors to identify systemic vulnerabilities, anticipate emerging risks, and co-create people-centred, inter-sectoral and risk-informed solutions. Pilots in Bangladesh and Nepal have already demonstrated their value, showcasing potential to foster cross-sectoral collaboration, strengthen institutional capacities, and promote inclusive planning processes that reflect community priorities.

Building on country experiences, regional exchanges underscored the value of peer-to-peer exchange, shared reflection and cross-sector collaboration to advancing human security approaches across Asia-Pacific.

Insights from Regional Exchange

Across the regional dialogue, participants exchanged experiences through peer learning, technical discussions, and country-led reflections on applying human security approach in poly-risk settings. Governments shared national experiences in addressing overlapping vulnerabilities, outlining key challenges, lessons learned, and emerging opportunities for integrated risk planning.

Male presenter at a podium in a conference room, slide shows a mountain image projected behind.

Photograph of conference attendees at round tables, some wearing hijabs, with laptops and papers.

Person in a floral blouse holds a camera in a beige-walled room with blue chairs.

Photograph of a man in a dark suit speaking into a microphone at a formal conference dinner.

Presenter in gray suit on stage with a projected slide; audience in a conference hall.

Discussions explored potential tools for multi-dimensional risk mapping, foresight methods, and the use of people-centred data to inform policy decisions. Participants also explored opportunities for strengthening cross-ministerial coordination, improving early warning systems, and integrating human security principles into national development planning.

Participants also reflected on potential national entry points for the HSPR Methodology and identified areas for and regional collaboration, marking a step forward in aligning national and regional scopes for mainstreaming human security across Asia-Pacific.

The Way Forward for Poly-Risk Planning

As countries across Asia-Pacific navigate an increasingly unpredictable and interconnected risk landscape, the regional exchange marked a significant milestone in advancing a shared regional commitment to Human Security. Participants reaffirmed the importance of integrated approaches to crisis prevention and resilience building, recognizing the need to move beyond sectoral silos when addressing complex, compounding risks.

“This workshop was not only about learning, but about translating knowledge into action. The insights, good practices, and lessons identified here should inform future policies, programmes, and regional collaboration frameworks. We appreciate UNDP’s leadership and the support of the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security, and Pakistan looks forward to continued engagement with regional partners to translate the human security framework from concept to action, ensuring that resilience-building efforts protect lives, livelihoods, and dignity.” shared Mr. Muhammad Bashir Khetran, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Pakistan

Governments and partners also expressed strong interest in ongoing support from UNDP and UNTFHS, including capacity-building initiatives, targeted country-level engagements, and regional platforms for continuous learning and exchange.

By fostering regional collaboration, strengthening technical capacities, and promoting integrated approaches to risk and resilience, UNDP and UNTFHS remain committed to supporting countries across Asia-Pacific in building safer, more inclusive, and more resilient societies.