National Urban Forum Calls for Action to Build Inclusive, Climate-Resilient Cities

Turning urban policy into action for inclusive, liveable and climate-resilient cities.

September 6, 2026

Speakers at the opening session of the National Urban Forum 2026 in Dhaka, bringing together government and development partners to advance inclusive, liveable and climate-resilient urban development in Bangladesh.

©UNDP Bangladesh

The two-day National Urban Forum 2026 kicked off in Dhaka today, bringing together policymakers, experts and development partners calling for stronger collective action to turn urban policy into action and build more inclusive, liveable and climate-resilient cities across Bangladesh.

Jointly organised by the Local Government Division, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, in association with ADB, JICA, IsDB, BUET, BIP and with support from the UK Government, the Forum brings together representatives from government institutions, city corporations and municipalities, development partners, financial institutions, academia, civil society and community organisations. The Forum concludes on 7 September.

More than one-third of Bangladesh’s population now lives in urban areas, while cities contribute nearly 65 percent of national GDP. Rapid urbanisation is placing growing pressure on housing, transport, infrastructure, public services and the environment. Climate change, inequality, environmental degradation and climate-induced migration are adding further pressure.

Discussions at the Forum also highlighted the concentration of economic activity and investment around Dhaka and the Dhaka–Chattogram corridor, alongside persistent challenges including congestion, waterlogging, waste management, pollution and limited institutional capacity.

Speakers noted the adoption of the National Urban Policy 2025 marked a significant milestone, but stressed that the next priority must be to move from policy to implementation through stronger coordination, capable local institutions, adequate financing and locally led solutions.

Farzana Sharmin, MP, State Minister for Social Welfare, speaks at the opening session of the National Urban Forum 2026 in Dhaka.

©UNDP Bangladesh

Farzana Sharmin, MP, State Minister for Social Welfare, said, “I hope the discussions of this Forum will help us move towards an urban development approach where no one is left behind, and where every person, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances, has the opportunity to live with dignity, security and hope.”

Bangladesh government adopted its first-ever National Urban Policy in 2025 with technical support from UNDP Bangladesh and funding from the UK Government. The policy provides an integrated framework covering urban planning and management, inclusive services and housing, socio-economic development, accountable urban governance, and environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient cities.

Stephen Rodriques, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, speaks at the opening session of the National Urban Forum 2026 in Dhaka.

©UNDP Bangladesh

Stephen Rodriques, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, said, “This Forum is not the end. It is the beginning of a shared responsibility to act on what we have discussed here today.” Noting Bangladesh’s experience in turning development challenges into opportunities, he added, “The future of this country will be written, in large part, in its cities and towns.”

For UNDP, the focus is increasingly on helping translate national policy commitments into practical results by strengthening local governance, improving urban services, supporting climate resilience and ensuring that urban development responds to the needs of communities, particularly low-income and vulnerable groups.

James Goldman, Acting High Commissioner and Development Director, British High Commission Dhaka, expressed hope that the Forum would further strengthen collaboration among partners supporting sustainable urban development in Bangladesh.

Akira Matsunaga, Deputy Country Director, Asian Development Bank (ADB), said, “ADB remains a long-standing partner in Bangladesh’s urban sector. Our priority now is aligning this support to make cities more inclusive, livable, and competitive.”

Md. Samsul Islam, Joint Secretary (Planning 2), Local Government Division, Ministry of LGRD&C, said, “I hope that the discussions during the next two days will help us identify clear priorities, practical recommendations and opportunities for collective action.”

Over the two days, participants are discussing urban planning and governance, effective urban services, urban socio-economic development, climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Sessions are also exploring locally led adaptation and Nature-Based Solutions that can help cities manage climate risks while improving living conditions.

The Forum aims to generate practical recommendations, strengthen coordination between national and local institutions, and identify solutions that can be replicated and scaled across Bangladesh.