Harnessing the Potential of Urbanisation in the Least Developed Countries
One UN Pavilion Venue: One UN Pavilion - Room A- United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS),
- World Bank (World Bank),
- Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS).
- Bangladesh (tbc),
- Chair Of The Bureau Of The Least Developed Countries Group.
The side event will explore urbanisation from the perspective of the 48 Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Two thirds of urbanisation in LDCs is yet to happen and this in itself presents an immense opportunity to accelerate their productive capacity in line with the vision of the Istanbul Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries (IPoA). The side event will discuss forward looking policies and plans for translating the rapid urbanisation process that is currently underway in LDCs as a vehicle for sustainable growth and building resilient cities. It will cover areas such as urban planning, infrastructure, affordable housing, financing options for investments to reshape their urban capacity and tap into the full potential of the urbanisation process. It will discuss priority areas for action for LDC governments and local authorities to better cope and manage the transition to urbanisation in a sustainable manner. The panel consisting of representatives from government of LDCs, development partners, the United Nations system and academia will also look at how to strengthen coherence and synergy in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, the 2030 Agenda and the IPoA. The panel discussion followed by an interactive Questions and Answers session with the broader audience.