Mission Statement: A new urban Asia-Pacific
The currently emerging Asia-Pacific Region is transforming it’s self due to complex conditions of continuous change. In the face of mounting challenges, the mission of the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Urban Development will be to identify effective strategies and propose practical solutions to support sustainable urban development in the Asia-Pacific Region, whilst looking ahead to the future.
Increasing expectations and forecasts indicate that the Asia-Pacific Region will play an important role in international efforts that deal with climate change and other critical environmental issues. It is vital to carry out appropriate urban development proposals based on the conditions specific to each area of the region, which is characterized by great diversity in terms of economy, politics, culture, climate and the natural environment. It is a region of rapid change, cultural alienation and environmental crisis, with a threatening divide between city and countryside. To carry out strategic research from an Asia-Pacific perspective, the UNESCO Chair will support managing this rapid urbanization and globalization process and enhance collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders, such as national governments, local and regional authorities, businesses, non-governmental organizations, universities, other experts and citizens. Research results will be disseminated freely around the world, contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable society. Cities (both in developed and developing countries in the Asia-Pacific Region) can make a real difference in terms of mitigating their global environmental impacts through:
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Application of international best practice in urban design and climate-responsive architecture;
- Innovation and utilization of key technologies, such as renewable energy technologies and various information technologies;
- Proper incentives and regulations, so that all new cities and buildings can be carbon-neutral;
- Strong leadership by national, regional and municipal leaders, local community groups and academics;
- Enhanced knowledge transfer and awareness of all citizens.
Quality urban design should be the first strategy utilized to reduce the need for fossil-fuel energy. It is important to note that many improvements do not require heavy financial investment. In many cases measures that bring global environmental benefits can also bring economic savings to a city and a nation, creating new jobs and a future-proofed economy.
It's not that we cannot afford doing it.
The truth is that we cannot afford not doing it.
