[News] Driving Productivity and Economic Growth in Cities

Jakarta, 12 August 2024 – Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC), was a key speaker at the 8th session of the Bridge for Cities Workshop, themed “Cities of Tomorrow: Collaborative Strategies for New Cities.” The event, held at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta, was organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) as part of its flagship initiative to advance the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in urban settings.

The workshop, a precursor to the main Bridge for Cities 2024 event in Vienna from 9 to 11 October, focused on the development of new cities like Nusantara. It highlighted UNIDO’s role in promoting productivity and economic growth in cities, addressing local industry enhancement, job creation, and the benefits of industrial parks and Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Other significant partners, including C40, UNOPS, and UN-Habitat, contributed to discussions on decarbonisation, low-carbon development, and innovative financing mechanisms for new urban projects.

Dr. Bernadia’s session underscored the importance of driving productivity and economic growth in cities through various strategies. She emphasised that rapid population growth, global competition, and climate challenges necessitate robust approaches to urban development. Key strategies she highlighted included:

• Human Capital Development: Focusing on education, skills training, workforce mobility, and inclusion.
• Infrastructure Development: Enhancing transportation, connectivity, energy, and utilities.
• Innovation and Technology: Promoting research and development (R&D) and digital transformation.
• Effective Governance and Policy: Emphasising strategic urban planning and creating a business-friendly environment.
• Sustainability and Resilience: Ensuring environmental sustainability and resilience planning.

Dr. Bernadia also emphasised that cities are not the problem but rather the solution to the challenges we face. Through collaboration and networking, cities can learn from each other to improve their capacity. UCLG ASPAC, as a central hub for local governments in Asia Pacific, is committed to supporting local governments in enhancing their capacities. UCLG ASPAC’s various committees, including those focused on logistics, tourism, the Belt and Road Initiative, and maritime cooperation, as well as its Business Matching programme, play a pivotal role in fostering business partnerships and showcasing investment opportunities.

Dr. Bernadia concluded with three key messages:

1.??Strengthening Local Government Capacities Through Collaboration: Local governments enhance urban development by collaborating with other cities, regional governments, and international organisations. Platforms like UCLG ASPAC help share best practices and resources, leading to more effective governance and sustainable growth.

2.?Building a Resilient and Skilled Workforce Through Networking: Economic growth depends on a skilled workforce, developed through industry-education-government partnerships. Networking aligns skills with market needs and ensures continuous professional development, creating a resilient, adaptable workforce.

3.? Accelerating Innovation and Technology Adoption Through Strategic Networks: Innovation drives growth, and strategic networks speed up technology adoption. By linking startups, tech firms, and academia, cities can advance cutting-edge technologies and position themselves as economic leaders.

Dr. Bernadia also highlighted that everyone has the right to essential resources and opportunities. It is crucial to ensure that all individuals, including women, people with disabilities, and youth, have access to safe living conditions, clean water, clean air, and protection from crime and poverty. The focus should not only be on material aspects but also on creating inclusive, equitable, and sustainable environments for all.

The workshop was inaugurated with welcome addresses from Ms. Gita Sabharwal, UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia; H.E. Mr. Tri Tharyat, Director General of Multilateral Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia; and Mr. Jie Zhao, Chief of Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, UNIDO. The event marked a significant step towards collaborative strategies for sustainable urban futures and the effective development of new cities.