Apr 21, Kathmandu- Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has said that increasing unplanned urbanization has brought problems to the world.

In her remarks after chairing the 81st session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) starting today in Bangkok, she said that Asia and the Pacific region has also been affected by this. The region is facing several serious challenges and unplanned urbanization is one of them, she said.

Minister Rana emphasized on environment-friendly and sustainable urban development and said that for this, investment should be increased in inclusive and green cities. She emphasized on strengthening the connectivity between cities, making strong plans for demographic transformation, and adopting financial support measures from diverse sources. Minister Dr. Rana said that problems such as financial risks and limitations, lack of investment in sustainable infrastructure, trade fragmentation and protectionist tendencies, and the 'digital divide' have been seen in the Asia and Pacific region. She emphasized that since the digital divide has created a huge gap in the relationship between urban and rural communities, we should all pay attention to addressing it.

Foreign Minister Dr. Rana expressed the view that the social security system in the Asia and Pacific region is still incomplete and weak, and that it should be increased by learning from the best practices of the world. She stated that the region is at risk from climate-related disasters, clarifying that our cities and communities are at risk from floods, droughts and extreme weather events. She said that Nepal is also taking steps in this area to resolve the current situation, ensure the future of future generations and the safety of the entire planet.

Minister Dr. Rana informed that Nepal will take initiatives to address the climate change situation and its challenges through the Sagarmatha Dialogue to be organized by Nepal in the upcoming 'May'. She emphasized that regional unity and cooperation are necessary to solve all these problems.