UN-Habitat at the 81st session of the Commission

From 21 to 25 April 2025, the 81st session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) took place at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. Guided by the theme “Regional Cooperation for Resilient and Sustainable Urban Development in Asia and the Pacific”, the session brought together leaders and partners to explore how inclusive urban growth can drive the region’s sustainable development agenda. 

UN-Habitat Executive Director Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach participated in the opening session and high-level dialogues, where she emphasized the agency’s dedication to advance in inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable cities and communities across the Asia-Pacific. During her keynote speech, she highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration with member States through UN-Habitat’s upcoming Strategic Plan 2026–2029, which can serve as a framework to deepen partnerships, particularly through initiatives that promote inclusive planning, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable housing systems.

As part of its active engagement in the Commission Session, UN-Habitat hosted an exhibition booth at the Urban Innovations Fair showcasing its work in the region, highlighting urban transformation initiatives, and the partnership with Minecraft as an innovative planning tool to engage youth in city planning, such as the Young Gamechangers Initiative in India. The agency also organized and co-hosted 13 side events, convening urban stakeholders to exchange knowledge on a range of topics including affordable housing, nature-based solutions, climate adaptation, digital tools for urban governance, and multilevel cooperation for SDG localization. 

UN-Habitat was involved in the organization of the following side events: All UN-Habitat side-events

• 21 April: Ensuring Adequate Housing for All in Asia and the Pacific
• 23 April: Smart Cities for a Shared Future: Regional Cooperation for Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Innovation & Launch of ESCAP’s Regional Smart City Guidelines
• 23 April: Addressing Ground Sinking and Land Subsidence for Resilient and Sustainable Cities
• 24 April: VNR-VLR: Multilevel Governance for SDG Localization
• 25 April: Building Resilient Cities and Communities in Climate Displacement Settings: Regional Learnings and Avenues for Cooperation

For more information, visit ESCAP 81st Commission Session and UN-Habitat RoAP.