Kathmandu, 21 April: Foreign Minister of Nepal Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has highlighted challenges of unplanned urbanization at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Session.
Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, emphasized the growing challenges of unplanned urbanization in Asia and the Pacific during her address at the 81st session of the UNESCAP underway in Bangkok.
Speaking as the session chair, Dr. Deuba stated that while cities drive development and innovation, haphazard urbanization has led to significant problems. “We must prioritize well-planned, inclusive, and green urban development,” she urged, calling for stronger city networks, robust demographic planning, and diversified financing.
She also highlighted other regional challenges, including financial risks, infrastructure gaps, trade fragmentation, and the digital divide, which exacerbates urban-rural inequality. Weak social protection systems and climate vulnerabilities further threaten communities, with the Himalayas facing unprecedented impacts.
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Session
Nepal is taking steps to address these issues, including the upcoming Sagarmatha Dialogue in May, focusing on climate change solutions. Dr. Deuba stressed that regional unity and collective action are essential to overcome these shared challenges.
“No country can tackle these problems alone,” she said, reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to inclusive development and UN values. Minister Rana who left for Bangkok, along with her family members, to take part in the 81st session of the Commission will return home on April 25.
