BANGKOK, Thailand, 24 June 2026 — City officials and governance practitioners from across South and Southeast Asia gathered in Bangkok today for the first of a two-day training under the Future-Ready Urban Governance Training Programme, a regional initiative jointly developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Chandler Academy of Governance (CAG)–the Learning and Development division of the Chandler Governance Group (CGG), and CityNet.

The training brings together 23 city and government officials, representing Bangkok (Thailand), Bintulu (Malaysia), Colombo and Gampola (Sri Lanka), Dhangadhi and Kathmandu (Nepal), Hue (Viet Nam), Iloilo (Philippines), Kulhudhuffushi City (Maldives), Palu City (Indonesia), Tiruchirappalli and Dehradun (India), and the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives of Bangladesh.

“In an increasingly complex and uncertain world, these capabilities enable cities not only to respond to today's challenges, but also to navigate uncertainty, manage complexity, and shape the future rather than merely react to it." — Gerd Trogemann, Manager, Global Policy Network, UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub

The event marks an important milestone in implementing UNDP’s regional urban governance strategy, Transforming Urban Futures in Asia-Pacific, launched earlier this year. The strategy promotes an integrated governance approach, reflected in the training’s cross-sectoral design, which brings together experts working across urban resilience, climate finance, digital transformation, gender equality and governance. By fostering collaboration across these thematic areas, the programme demonstrates the integrated thinking necessary to address today’s interconnected urban challenges.

Over the past three months, participants have completed Applied Learning Assignments within their respective administrations, developing future-ready governance solutions to real-world urban challenges. Today, they presented their findings, exchanged lessons learned, and identified opportunities for collaboration.

“Most importantly, this training is a chance for you to learn from one another. The diversity of experiences in this room is one of the programme’s greatest strengths. We encourage you to engage openly and share generously, because true learning is not done in isolation, but through exchange.” — Wei Jiang Ho, Dean of the Chandler Academy of Governance (CAG)

Beyond technical learning, the training aims to foster knowledge exchange among leaders and practitioners from diverse urban contexts, strengthening professional networks, encouraging the sharing of insights and solutions, and supporting the continued application of future-ready governance beyond the training programme.

The Future-Ready Urban Governance Training Programme is part of ongoing efforts by UNDP, CGG and CityNet to strengthen local governance and support cities across Asia and the Pacific in delivering more inclusive, resilient and sustainable urban development. Together, these efforts are helping cities move beyond planning for the future and towards building the capabilities, partnerships and institutions needed to actively shape it.

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading UN organization working to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working in 170 countries and territories, UNDP supports nations in building integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at https://www.undp.org

About CGG

The Chandler Governance Group (CGG) is an international organization focused on public sector effectiveness and capability development. CGG works with national and local governments to train and develop leaders, strengthen public institutions and systems, benchmark government capabilities, and share good practices. Learn more at https://www.chandlergovernance.com

About CityNet

CityNet is the largest association of urban stakeholders committed to sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1987, it connects local governments, NGOs, private sector organisations, and research institutions to strengthen urban sustainability through knowledge-sharing and cooperation.