Kathmandu, Apr. 21
Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba said
that the growing trend of unplanned urbanisation has created multitudes of
challenges in urban development and management.
"It has become a global issue and
that the Asia-Pacific region has also been affected by it," she said in her remarks following her assumption of the presidency of the 81st
session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific (UNESCAP), in Bangkok of Thailand on Monday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Nepal informed
in a statement that she said this region is facing numerous serious challenges,
among which unplanned urbanisation is a key concern.
Speaking at the session on 'Resilient and Sustainable
Urban Development in Asia and the Pacific', she said, “Urban areas are also engines of development, innovation, and
opportunity. However, unplanned urbanisation is giving rise to many problems.
Therefore, we must pursue well-planned urban development.”
FM Dr. Rana emphasised the need to invest in inclusive
and green cities to promote resilient and sustainable urban growth.
She highlighted the importance of strengthening networks
between cities, preparing robust strategies to address demographic
transformations, and adopting measures for financial support from diverse
sources.
She also discussed other issues facing the Asia-Pacific
region, including financial risks and constraints, lack of investment in
sustainable infrastructure, trade fragmentation and protectionist tendencies,
as well as the digital divide.
She warned that the digital divide is creating a
significant gap between urban and rural communities, and if left unaddressed,
could exacerbate inequalities and hinder inclusive growth, read the statement.
Highlighting the region’s vulnerability to
climate-induced disasters, the Foreign Minister pointed out that our cities and
communities are at risk from devastating floods, droughts, and extreme weather
events.
“Our Himalayas, which are not only
sources of water but also the foundation of livelihoods and civilisations, are
being affected in unimaginable ways by the impacts of climate change.
Therefore, there is an urgent need to increase investment in climate resilience
and early warning systems,” she said.
She informed the regional community that Nepal is also
taking steps in this region to ensure solutions for the present situation, the
future of upcoming generations, and the overall safety of the planet. She
announced that Nepal will host the Sagarmatha Dialogue in May, through which
the country aims to initiate efforts to address the challenges posed by climate
change.
She emphasised the need for regional unity and collective
cooperation to tackle these issues, stating, “In
today’s era, no country can resolve such challenges alone. Regional cooperation
is essential to make our collective efforts meaningful.”
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 22 April 2025.
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