Future-Ready Urban Governance Training Programme 

The Asia-Pacific region, home to 54% of the world's urban population, has more than 50% of its population residing in urban areas (ESCAP, 2019). Asia-Pacific's growing cities are central to regional transformation. More than hubs of innovation, investment, dynamism, and change, cities are the "make or break" factor in ensuring balanced regional sustainability.

Across the region, an increasing number of countries and cities are showing interest in developing Future-Ready, inclusive, and resilient governance capabilities, with a focus on underrepresented groups in urban governance institutions and processes, including women and youth. These governance capabilities encompass anticipatory, adaptable, and agile approaches, enabling governments to understand emerging challenges, adjust strategies as conditions for change, and translate ideas and citizen feedback into action.

To support this vision, UNDP is partnering with the Chandler Academy of Governance and CityNet to develop and test a new approach to Future-Ready, inclusive, and resilient urban governance capabilities. The project will deliver a package of Future-Ready Urban Governance Training, including the design and delivery of an Online City-Level Exchange and Training Programme on Future-Ready Urban Governance with cities from across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Participating cities are - Bintulu (Malaysia), Dhangadhi and Kathmandu (Nepal), Gampola (Sri Lanka), Hue (Viet Nam), Iloilo (Philippines), Kulhudhuffushi (Maldives), Palu (Indonesia), and Tiruchirappalli (India). 

Participants will leave the programme with clearer strategic direction, stronger peer networks, and practical approaches they can apply directly within their own city administrations.

Through co-design with local authorities, technical experts, and stakeholders, the initiative supports UNDP's regional governance programming to strengthen capabilities, systems, and institutions for Future-Ready, inclusive, and resilient cities across Asia-Pacific - positioning urban governance as a key driver of sustainable urban transformation.