Bangladesh Outlines Vision for Climate-Resilient, Sustainable Cities at UN

Bangladesh has reaffirmed its dedication to establishing cities that are inclusive, economical, resilient to changing climates, and ecologically sustainable. 

Addressing the high-level meeting on the Midterm Review of the New Urban Agenda at the United Nations Headquarters on July 16, State Minister for Housing and Public Works Ahammad Sohel Monzoor highlighted that structured urbanization, accessible housing, and proportional regional progress remain core priorities within the nation's broader development strategy.

Monzoor remarked that Bangladesh approaches urban growth as a powerful catalyst for boosting economic vitality, environmental resilience, and social inclusion. 

He noted that, guided by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s “Bangladesh First” principle, the administration is actively advancing coordinated spatial planning, expanding public access to affordable housing, reinforcing local governance systems, and upgrading civic infrastructure to mirror the targets of both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda.

The State Minister also outlined Bangladesh’s progressive domestic roadmap, which places a heavy emphasis on comprehensive spatial mapping, digital land administration, innovative methods of urban financing, balanced regional growth, and urban infrastructure engineered to withstand climate impacts.

Stressing the vital role of global cooperation, Monzoor urged international allies to step up with more robust partnerships, technology transfers, capacity-building programs, and creative funding structures to accelerate sustainable city-building worldwide. 

He concluded his address by stressing the essential objective of constructing urban environments designed to leave no one and no place behind.

With Inputs from UNB