The urban population in Asia and the Pacific is expected to increase by one billion by 2050, bringing cities and towns in the region greater development pressures, in regard to issues such as housing and infrastructure gaps and environmental and sustainability challenges, a United Nations forum heard this week.

But cities are also at the forefront of innovation for sustainability, leading the way in adopting new technologies and sharing knowledge across borders, said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, under-secretary-general of the United Nations and executive secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Speaking at the eighth session of the ESCAP's Committee on Environment and Development, which was held from Oct 16 to 18 in Bangkok, Thailand, she said localizing global and national goals presents a significant opportunity to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), given the profound and double-sided influence of cities.

"By translating the goals into relevant priorities within local contexts, we can harness the innovative capacities of cities and mobilize a broad range of stakeholders to confront the pressing environmental and development issues," the official added.

The forum brought together high-level government officials, urban leaders, top experts and other stakeholders to exchange views on strengthening multilateral cooperation on environment and development challenges facing the region, including through actions taken by cities.

Discussions during the three-day forum focused on the challenges, opportunities and priorities for localizing action in five priority areas – air pollution; low-carbon transition and low-greenhouse-gas emission development strategies; ocean protection; sustainable urban development; and access to information concerning the environment and public participation in decision-making processes.

"The five priority areas on the agenda are issues that demand coordinated, localized and inclusive solutions," said Bernadia Tjandradewi, Asia-Pacific secretary general at the United Cities and Local Governments, a global network of cities and local governments.

She further emphasized the importance of building the capacity, skills and resources of local governments to drive sustainable urban development and climate actions.

During the forum, young representatives from Asia-Pacific region presented a joint statement, urging meaningful and transparent partnerships with young people of all backgrounds to rebuild the trust that has been lost toward decision makers while also creating a collective vision.

"Local solutions are essential if we are to ensure the region's growth can positively address these issues. While the challenges being faced in our region may vary by country and local context, we know that effective regional cooperation can support the exchange of solutions and best practices that can be tailored to local conditions," said Norliza Hashim, chief executive officer of Urbanice Malaysia, who was elected as Chair of the Committee.

During the meeting, ESCAP also launched the Asia-Pacific SDG Localization Platform, which will support national and local authorities to share and learn best practices on how localized approach leads to effective solutions that improves the quality of life for residents across the region.