Madam. Chair,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

Sustainable urbanisation remains a key priority for ASEAN. With nearly 53% of the region’s population expected to live in cities by 2030, ASEAN has implemented several regional initiatives that put the vision of the New Urban Agenda into practice.

1. One: The ASEAN Smart Cities Network provides a platform for cities in the region to advance smart and sustainable urban development. With 134 projects as of September 2025, the network has strengthened knowledge exchange and deepened cooperation among ASEAN Member States, Dialogue Partners, and other external partners.
2. Two: We continue to emphasise the critical role of smart and sustainable urban development in enhancing ASEAN connectivity through the ASEAN Smart City Action Plan (ASCAP) for 2026 – 2035. By fostering both regional collaboration and the use of innovative technologies and solutions, the ASCAP seeks to address pressing urban and rural challenges while advancing connectivity, resilience, sustainability and inclusivity.
3. Three: ASEAN recognises that environmental pressures and climate change can threaten environmentally sustainable and resilient urban development. Through the adoption of the Framework for Circular Economy for the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality, ASEAN will further advance its sustainable ambitions by building a supportive ecosystem to unlock the potential of the green economy, enhance resilience via climate adaptation, and accelerate the decarbonisation of regional supply chains.

Madam. Chair,

ASEAN attaches importance to addressing the specific development needs of countries in special situations and recalls its support for the full, effective and timely implementation of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) for LDCs, the Awaza Programme of Action (APoA) for LLDCs, and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).

Recognising that ASEAN’s LDC members are at different stages of the graduation process, we underscore the needs for country-led and tailored international support measures, before, during and after graduation. As we look ahead to the Comprehensive High-level Midterm Review of the DPoA in March 2027, ASEAN emphasises the importance of renewed commitment and strengthened partnership to accelerate progress in implementing the Programme of Action through 2031.

At the regional level, ASEAN reaffirms its commitment to narrow the development gaps within and among ASEAN Member States through the effective implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan V (2026–2030) and its Implementation Plan.

The IAI Work Plan V is strategically aligned with ASEAN Vision 2045: Our Shared Future and is coherent with the relevant ASEAN Community Strategic Plans. It places emphasis on promoting inclusive, sustainable, resilient, and equitable development.

In this regard, ASEAN reaffirms its commitment to ensure that all ASEAN Member States are able to participate meaningfully in and benefit equitably from ASEAN Community-building and regional integration efforts while harnessing opportunities arising from digital transformation, sustainable development, and regional economic growth.

To conclude, Madam. Chair,

ASEAN remains committed to working with the UN system and all partners to build a future of smart, sustainable, and resilient cities, while strengthening support for countries in special situations. We look forward to the effective implementation of the Programmes of Action for LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS to advance the 2030 Agenda.

Thank you.