News from Berlin

Sustainable Urban Development: A Look to Asia

March 20th, 2014
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News from Berlin. ‘Urbanization And Sustainable Development - A Look To Asia’, an event hosted by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development last week, highlighted the issue of sustainable development and urban growth in developing countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. In the 21st century, the majority of the global population resides in cities rather than rural areas.

The event focused on the debate of how cities can be actors for sustainable development and what roles they should assume to combat the issue of urban growth. Hosted by Parliamentary State Secretary Hans-Joachim Fuchtel, the event was attended by distinguished guests from the United Nations, Cities Alliance, and the Asian Development Bank Environment Programme. Discussions focused on experiences and proposals for sustainable development, looking particularly toward the example of Asian cities.

Secretary Fuchtel emphasized the importance of keeping cities as livable places for future populations by negating urban poverty and social disparities, using resources sustainably, and creating environmentally and climate-friendly urban development. The German government has pledged to reinforce the capacity of cities in the global development agenda, with the aim of amending living conditions resulting from urban poverty. The Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development supports partner cities with management and infrastructure development, and advocates for environmental technology, energy efficiency, information and communication.

The Berlin Global

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