The workshop, co-hosted by the World Bank (WB) and the HCM City People’s Committee, focused on adjustments to Eco2 policies to make them suitable for each individual country’s urban development needs as well as the benefits that the initiative brings in. 

Eco2 Cities is the WB’s approach to sustainable and integrated urban development. It is designed to help cities plan, manage and invest in sustainable urban systems that are integrated, multi-functional and beneficial in the long-term well being of citizens and society at large. 

By doing so, the programme will help cities accomplish a greater ecological and economic sustainability, while still focusing on social welfare and quality of life. 

During the three-day event, participants will discuss the challenges and priorities of the countries involved and how their cities might benefit from this new approach to urban development. 

Speaking at the event, Victor Vergara, head of the WB’s Urban Development Unit for the Asia-Pacific region, said that he hoped that the officials taking part will create a ripple effect across East Asia which will see long-term ecological and economic sustainability with a focus on building social values to the forefront of the city’s planning and management. 

The Vice Chairwoman of the HCM City People’s Committee, Nguyen Thi Hong, praised the WB initiative, saying that the pooled experiences of planners and scientists will help HCM City to define suitable ways for its development.