Two-day National Urban Forum 2026 began in Dhaka on Sunday, bringing together policymakers, urban experts and development partners to discuss how to turn the National Urban Policy 2025 into practical action.
The forum is focusing on urban planning and governance, public services, socioeconomic development, climate resilience and environmental sustainability, with participants seeking ways to build more inclusive, livable and climate-resilient cities across Bangladesh.
Jointly organized by the Local Government Division and UNDP Bangladesh, the forum is being held in association with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), with support from the UK government.
Representatives from government agencies, city corporations and municipalities, development partners, financial institutions, academia, civil society and community organizations are taking part in the forum.
The forum concludes on September 7.
More than one-third of Bangladesh’s population now lives in urban areas, while cities account for nearly 65% of national GDP. Rapid urbanization is putting growing pressure on housing, transport, infrastructure, public services and the environment, while climate change, inequality, pollution and climate-induced migration are adding to the challenges.
Discussions at the forum also highlighted the concentration of economic activity and investment around Dhaka and the Dhaka-Chattogram corridor, alongside persistent problems such as congestion, waterlogging, waste management, pollution and limited institutional capacity.
Speakers said the adoption of the National Urban Policy 2025 was a significant milestone, but stressed that the priority now is implementation through stronger coordination, capable local institutions, adequate financing and locally led solutions.
State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin said: “I hope the discussions of this Forum will help us move towards an urban development approach where no one is left behind, and where every person, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances, has the opportunity to live with dignity, security and hope.”
The government adopted its first National Urban Policy in 2025 with technical support from UNDP Bangladesh and funding from the UK government.
The policy provides an integrated framework for urban planning and management, inclusive services and housing, socioeconomic development, accountable urban governance, and environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient cities.
Stephen Rodriques, resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, said the forum should mark the beginning of collective action rather than the end of discussions.
“This Forum is not the end. It is the beginning of a shared responsibility to act on what we have discussed here today,” he said.
Noting Bangladesh’s experience in turning development challenges into opportunities, Rodriques said the country’s future would be shaped largely by its cities and towns.
UNDP is focusing on helping translate national policy commitments into practical results by strengthening local governance, improving urban services, supporting climate resilience and ensuring urban development responds to the needs of communities, particularly low-income and vulnerable groups.
James Goldman, acting high commissioner and development director at the British High Commission Dhaka, expressed hope that the forum would further strengthen collaboration among partners supporting sustainable urban development in Bangladesh.
Akira Matsunaga, deputy country director of ADB, said the bank would continue supporting Bangladesh’s urban sector, with a focus on making cities more inclusive, livable and competitive.
Md Samsul Islam, joint secretary (Planning 2) at the Local Government Division, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, said the discussions would help identify clear priorities, practical recommendations and opportunities for collective action.
Participants are also exploring locally led adaptation and nature-based solutions to help cities manage climate risks while improving living conditions.
The forum aims to produce practical recommendations, strengthen coordination between national and local institutions, and identify urban solutions that can be replicated and scaled up across Bangladesh.
