March 11-13, 2014 | Manila, Philippines

Urbanization is driving massive growth in cities across the Asia-Pacific, yet cities remain vulnerable to the potentially disastrous effects of climate change. Particularly vulnerable is the one-fifth of Asia’s urban population living in low-lying coastal areas, where rising sea levels and extreme weather events remain a constant threat. How can Pacific cities both enhance livability and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change?

In 2014, The Pacific Cities Sustainability Initiative (PCSI) will explore how to build thriving, livable communities that can adapt to the impacts of climate change while also enhancing economic development and quality of life. A joint initiative of the Asia Society and the Urban Land Institute, PCSI is a collaborative dialogue aimed at fostering the sharing of urban sustainability strategies among communities across the Pacific Rim by convening stakeholders, assessing shared challenges, showcasing best practices, and developing new approaches.

PCSI will hold its 2nd Annual Forum in Manila, Philippines March 11-13, 2014. The Philippines provides an ideal setting for this year’s thematic dialogue. Cities such as Manila are developing rapidly but have struggled to implement long-range, people-oriented urban planning. Severe storms and typhoons are a regular and growing threat to the country — the latest, Typhoon Haiyan, was one of the country’s worst natural disasters — and therefore, cities are struggling to develop resilient housing and transit infrastructure that can stand up to extreme weather. Balancing the need for urban resiliency with a focus on enhancing livability remain fundamental challenges to urban development.

The 2nd Annual Forum will bring together more than 100 urban sustainability leaders from across the Philippines, North America, and Asia for an invitation-only high-level dialogue to share best practices and explore new approaches to creating cities that are both livable and resilient in Manila and beyond. Through keynotes, panels, and workshops, the Forum will explore: 1) governance and public sector preparedness, 2) resilient infrastructure, 3) community networks, civic participation, and public-private partnerships, 4) long-range planning, and 5) housing and access. Participants will meet and network with a range of government representatives and global experts from urban planning, civil society, the private sector, and academia.

Following the Forum, PCSI will continue to develop the new approaches identified at the Forum and share insights with a wider audience via a publication, a combination of private and public events, a follow-up workshop in Vancouver in April 2014, and student participation. PCSI will publicize its activities and outcomes through a website, publications, videos, public events, social media, and more.

Website: http://sites.asiasociety.org/PCSI/

Stay tuned for the Opening Gala Night on March 11!