HLPF Side Event - Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures: From Inequality to Opportunity
Background
The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is the United Nations central platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The ESCAP-ADB-UNDP Asia-Pacific SDG Partnership serves as a platform for delivering knowledge to support the region’s effective implementation of the SDGs. Every year, the partnership produces a report aligned with the HLPF theme and SDGs under review, contributing directly to the global follow-up and review process.
About the report
As Asia and the Pacific becomes increasingly urban, cities are emerging as both engines of opportunity and sites of deep and persistent inequality. The 2026 SDG Partnership Report, Inclusive Urban Futures: From Inequality to Opportunity, highlights the urgent need for more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development at a time when cities are facing growing pressures from climate change, economic volatility, displacement, rising living costs, and geopolitical instability.
About the side event
The side event will explore how governments, development partners, communities, youth, and the private sector can work together to reduce urban inequalities and strengthen resilience through affordable housing and basic services, decent and inclusive jobs, healthier urban environments, and stronger urban governance.
The session will provide a platform for dialogue on the policies, financing, innovation, partnerships, and governance approaches needed to advance more inclusive and resilient urban futures across Asia and the Pacific.
The 60-minute hybrid session, held at the UNDP Office in New York and online via Zoom, will be co-hosted by ESCAP, ADB and UNDP.
To allow more space for discussion and interaction, the session will prioritize dialogue, audience participation, and youth engagement.
Program
8:15-8:30 Refreshments
8:30-8:33 Introduction
Moderator: Yoko Watanabe, Director, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, ADB
8:33-8:42 Welcome remarks
• Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP
• Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, UNDP
8:42-9:07 Moderated panel discussion
• Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Member of NITI Aayog, Government of India, Chairperson Social Stock Exchange Advisory Committee
• Mr. Spencer Low, Chair of the ESBN Innovation Taskforce, Google’s Head of Regional Sustainability for the Asia-Pacific
• Mr. Jashvinu Yeshwanth Raj, representative of the Major Group for Children and Youth
9:07-9:27 Q&As
9:27-9:30 Closing – Moderator wrap-up and key messages