F5 Applying the urban nexus approach to localize global agendas and promote vertical integration: Experiences from Asian cities
The session primarily draws from lessons and insights in the implementation of the regional project, GIZ Integrated Resource Management in Asian Cities: The Urban Nexus funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project, which started in 2013, is in its second phase and works with selected secondary cities across seven countries in Asia including China, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The urban nexus approach looks at synergies and trade-offs in the water, food, and energy sectors. As such, the project works in the areas of secure water supply and sanitation systems, energy security and efficiency, land use, physical planning, and food security. Recognizing that these areas can go beyond the immediate sphere of influence of city governments, the project collaborates with relevant national ministries, where appropriate and applicable. Moreover, there is strong recognition that employing the urban nexus approach contributes to the realization and localization of various global agendas including the New Urban Agenda, 2015 Paris Agreement, and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Strategically, the project focuses on two core elements:
- Identification and development of nexus initiatives that demonstrate how to integrate the nexus approach into urban planning and development processes
- Facilitation of regional exchange and dissemination of successful practical approaches to integrated resource management through efficient networking
This session is organized in partnership with the GIZ, the German Development Agency.
Moderator
Ruth Erlbeck
Project Director, GIZ Integrated Resource Management in Asian Cities: The Urban Nexus, Bangkok, Thailand
Speakers
Emani Kumar
Deputy Secretary General, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability
Executive Director, ICLEI South Asia
Jichkar Nanda
Mayor, City of Nagpur, India
Curt Garringan
Chief, Sustainable Urban Development Section, UNESCAP, Bangkok
John Bongat
Mayor, Naga City, Philippines