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Bangladesh | India | Malaysia | Maldives | Nepal | Phillipines | Vietnam 

 

Bangladesh | Dhaka North

Adaptive Urban Governance for Inclusive and Resilient City Implementation (Oct 2024 - Sep 2025).

Strengthens Dhaka North's capacity to address climate migrants' needs using adaptive governance and innovation platforms such as the Dhaka City Lab and a2i Programme. Built on participatory Community Action Plans (CAP) in 22 low-income areas, three sites were selected for climate-resilient infrastructure.

Impact:

  • ~40,000poor urban families to benefit from improved recreational facilities, enhancing social cohesion and access to safe spaces.

  • DNCC allocated USD 214,000 to scale innovative infrastructure projects for urban poor communities.

     

UNDP Bangladesh

 

Malaysia | Sarawak

Sarawak Urban Development Policy (SUDP).

UNDP Malaysia and partners are co-developing a forward-looking urban policy to drive sustainable growth. A visioning Workshop (7-8 May 2025, Kuching) brought together 56 participants, including ministries, NGOs, the private sector, and local authorities, to co-create Sarawak's urban vision.

Impact:

  • A new policy will be adopted by December 2025, with UNDP support for implementation.

     

Maldives | Kulhudhuffushi

City Portfolio Expansion (Training & Activation).

A sub-national portfolio is being designed to support sustainable and inclusive urban development in Kulhudhuffushi. Preparations are underway for a structured SIP training on systems mapping, deep listening, sense making, and co-creation, leading to interventions on green urban development, nature-based solutions, circular waste management, and green jobs as implementation begins mid-2025.

 

 

Nepal | Dhangadhi

Green Urban Development Initiative (October 2024 - April 2026).

In partnership with Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, UNDP is supporting a transformative Green Transition Portfolio under the joint UNDP-ADB SDG Localization framework. The initiative applies systems thinking and human-centric design - including systems mapping, deep listening, and co-creation - to strengthen waste circularity, promote nature-based solutions, and expand green jobs.

Impact:

  • Around 20,000 people are expected to benefit in the first year through green job training, composting initiatives, and participatory planning.

  • Strong emphasis on youth, women, marginalised, and indigenous Tharu communities.

  • MoU signed between DSMC and UNDP institutionalises joint governance, ensuring co-ownership, participatory planning, and inclusive service delivery. 

     

Philippines | Malay, Aklan

Food System Innovation Project (Scaling Phase).

A local innovation portfolio is being developed to transform food systems and tourism in Malay, Allan. A June 2025 kickoff mission under the ADB-UNDP SDG Localization Initiative marked the start of the scaling phase, now focusing on resilient food systems, inclusive governance, and investment-readiness, with strong LGU and community engagement driving momentum. 

 

 

Viet Nam | Ho Chi Minh City

Dynamic Urban Governance Capabilities 

Launched 12-13 June 2025 in partnership with UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose. Brought together local and national institutions, academic partners, and experts to explore adaptive governance and policy innovation.

Findings:

  • Gaps between strategic goals and operational flexibility.

  • Weak coalition-building and fragmented learning.

  • Recognition of the need for an iterative, adaptive planning culture.

     

UNDP Asia-Pacific/ Niall Delahunty