The 9th Asia-Pacific Urban Forum (APUF-9), organized by ESCAP and hosted by the City of Yokohama, will be held in Yokohama Pacifico North, Japan, from 31 August to 2 September 2027. As the region's leading platform on sustainable urban development, APUF-9 will bring together governments, city leaders, academia, civil society, financial institutions and the private sector to advance solutions for rapidly urbanizing cities across Asia and the Pacific.

The Asia-Pacific region is at a pivotal moment for sustainable urban development. With only a few years remaining until 2030, progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains uneven, while cities face intensifying and interconnected pressures from climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, demographic transitions, widening inequalities, rapid technological change, resource constraints and growing demands on infrastructure and public services. At the same time, cities remain central to economic growth, innovation and social development and are increasingly where global, regional and national commitments must be translated into practical action.

Across the region, cities are increasingly affected by housing affordability pressures, climate risks, ageing populations, infrastructure financing gaps, environmental degradation and the demands of an increasingly digital economy. Yet the region’s cities are also emerging as laboratories of innovation, demonstrating how integrated approaches can generate multiple benefits across climate action, resilience, social inclusion, economic competitiveness and resource efficiency. Experiences from across Asia and the Pacific highlight growing momentum around nature-based solutions, climate adaptation, digital public infrastructure, circular economy initiatives, affordable housing, sustainable mobility and multilevel governance.

This evolving context is reflected in global agendas such as the New Urban Agenda, the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026-2029, the SDG Localization agenda and recent World Urban Forum outcomes, all of which recognize the importance of place-based, multilevel and integrated approaches to sustainable development. Increasingly, governments, development banks, city networks and research institutions are emphasizing systems thinking, resilience financing, urban-rural linkages, nature-positive development and the integration of climate, biodiversity and development objectives.

Against this backdrop, APUF-9 will provide a platform to explore how cities can accelerate resilient and sustainable urban development through integrated and synergistic actions. This last Asia-Pacific Urban Forum before 2030 represents a critical opportunity to assess progress, strengthen partnerships and identify practical pathways for implementation.

【Main Themes of APUF-9】

Through high-level dialogues, thematic sessions and knowledge exchange, APUF-9 will focus on four thematic areas that reflect key priorities for the urban future of Asia and the Pacific.

Urban Planning, Settlements and Housing

As cities across Asia and the Pacific continue to grow and change, discussions will focus on housing affordability, informal settlements, land management and infrastructure provision. The forum will also explore metropolitan governance, peri-urban development and urban-rural linkages, highlighting practical and place-based approaches to creating more inclusive, resilient and well-connected cities.

Climate Action and Urban Resilience

With cities facing increasing climate and disaster risks, discussions will explore how climate adaptation, mitigation, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity conservation and pollution reduction can be integrated into urban development. Participants will examine nature-based solutions, resilient infrastructure, sustainable mobility and the governance, financing, data and partnerships needed to strengthen urban resilience and support sustainable growth.

Smart Cities and Digital Transformation

As digital technologies reshape urban development, discussions will focus on how artificial intelligence, urban data systems, digital public infrastructure and other emerging technologies can improve urban planning, governance and service delivery. The forum will also explore data-driven decision-making, digital inclusion, privacy, cybersecurity and the policies and partnerships required to ensure digital transformation contributes to sustainable, resilient and people-centred cities.

Circular Economy and Urban Resource Management

Rapid urbanization is increasing the demand for resources and places growing pressures on infrastructure and the environment. Discussions will focus on circular economy approaches that promote resource efficiency and sustainability. Key topics will include sustainable consumption and production, waste prevention and recycling, water reuse, energy efficiency, circular construction and nature-positive infrastructure, as well as the governance, financing and innovation needed to scale circular solutions in cities.

A defining feature of APUF-9 is its emphasis on integrated and synergistic solutions. Recognizing that urban challenges and opportunities are deeply interconnected, the Forum will foster dialogue across sectors and stakeholders to identify scalable approaches that simultaneously advance climate action, resilience, housing, digital transformation, resource efficiency and social inclusion. By bringing together diverse expertise and experience from across the region, APUF-9 will help shape a shared vision for resilient and sustainable cities in Asia and the Pacific beyond 2030.