Suncheon, Republic of Korea,
30-31 August 2011

Objective:

The forum provided a platform for city mayors, top government officials, decision makers and experts to present and discuss the key issues related to sustainable urban infrastructure development in Asia and the Pacific, and find innovative ways to make infrastructure more inclusive and sustainable and our cities more livable and competitive.

The Forum showcased innovative practices and discussed policy options for promoting low carbon green growth and for developing competitive and liveable cities in Asia-Pacific.

Outcome:

Experiences in the region showed that cities were generally aware of the need to ‘green’ the way they build their cities. Many interventions were being undertaken to address problems, especially related to transport, waste and water management. Cities stressed that local governments should take the lead in eco-efficient infrastructure development and then the public will follow. As shown in the city of Suncheon, investing in the environment can be a source for economic and social development.

Moreover, ESCAP launched the publication: "Are we building competitive and liveable cities? Guidelines for developing eco-efficient and socially inclusive infrastructure", developed jointly with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), and the Urban Design Lab, the Earth Institute at Columbia University in the City of New York. ESCAP also presented the policy options for sustainable infrastructure identified in its "Low Carbon Green Growth Roadmap for Asia and the Pacific".