4 December 2024, Yangon, Myanmar – In the three years following the February 2021 military takeover, Myanmar has faced unprecedented humanitarian challenges as ongoing conflict, economic instability, and climate vulnerability impact millions. Against this backdrop, UN-Habitat remains committed in its mission to improve priority services, support resilience-building, and drive sustainable development initiatives for Myanmar’s most affected communities. This work has taken on heightened significance as the country confronts a polycrisis, with the population grappling with widespread displacement, escalating poverty, and disrupted essential services.
The recent extreme flooding in September 2024—impacting approximately one million people across 70 of Myanmar’s 330 townships—has underscored the urgency of adaptive climate programming and enhanced resilience efforts. The monsoon rains, compounded by Typhoon Yagi’s remnants, brought unprecedented flooding to the Northwest, Southeast, and Rakhine State, tragically resulting in over 360 fatalities and leaving hundreds more missing. This disaster highlights the necessity for innovative, localized solutions to Myanmar’s intensifying climate and humanitarian crises.
To address these pressing issues, the Myanmar Climate Action Network (M-CAN) was launched in 2023 through the Myanmar Climate Change Alliance (MCCA) Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UN-Habitat. M-CAN has since grown into a coalition of over 200 climate advocates, each committed to driving practical climate action and catalyzing partnerships for the communities most vulnerable to climate impacts. M-CAN prioritizes on-the-ground implementation and empowers local actors to actively participate in climate resilience efforts.
UN-Habitat Myanmar & M-CAN at the World Urban Forum 12
In partnership with UN-Habitat Myanmar, members of the Myanmar Climate Action Network (M-CAN)—including Action Aid, AES Creative Media Institute, For The Future Myanmar, Myanmar Water Academy, and Sanar—represented Myanmar at the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo, Egypt, from 4 to 8 November 2024, connecting with over 20,000 participants worldwide—from national and subnational authorities from other countries, UN officials, professionals, students, and private sector partners.
Under the theme “Building Resilience in a Polycrisis in Myanmar, the delegation showcased Myanmar’s efforts to build resilience against climate change and urban challenges. They highlighted key initiatives such as community-based resilience building, nature-based solutions, youth leadership in sustainable development, gender-inclusive climate action, and innovative approaches to resilient housing. The delegation also called for international collaboration and support to strengthen Myanmar’s climate adaptation and disaster mitigation efforts. Visitors were engaged through interactive video presentations, creative art activities, and inspiring talks delivered by guest speakers.
Building resilience through community-led development in Myanmar: Highlights from WUF12 in Cairo
UN-Habitat Myanmar made significant contributions to WUF12, spotlighting the country’s challenges as a polycrisis and showcasing people-centered interventions addressing complex, intersecting issues. Through various panel discussions and presentations, Myanmar’s unique context was highlighted, with a focus on community engagement, the implementation of the National Urban Policy, and innovative solutions for conflict- and flood-affected communities. These sessions covered diverse topics, including participatory approaches to shelter design, the demonstration of energy solutions in vulnerable areas, and sustainable waste management practices like the Fukuoka Method in Yangon. Collectively, these contributions underscored the critical role of inclusive and localized initiatives in fostering resilience and sustainability in fragile urban settings.
Regional Representative of UN-Habitat ROAP visit M-CAN Booth at WUF12!
On 6 November, 2024, Ms. Kazuko Ishigaki, Regional Representative of the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP), visited the M-CAN booth at the exhibition hall. During her visit, M-CAN members highlighted Myanmar’s pressing urban and climate challenges and showcased innovative, locally developed solutions designed to build resilience in the face of crises.
The key challenges addressed:
- Polycrisis of Climate & Conflict: Myanmar’s ongoing climate impacts and conflict exacerbate vulnerabilities in urban areas.
- Rapid Urbanization & Informal Settlements: The growth of informal settlements demands urgent solutions for basic services and secure land tenure.
- Climate Vulnerability: Myanmar faces extreme weather events, making climate resilient infrastructure critical, especially in urban areas.
- Resource Constraints & Limited Capacity: Myanmar faces challenges of limited funding and capacity for sustainable urban development.
- Governance and Policy Barriers: Political instability and policy issues hinder taking effective climate action.
M-CAN also highlighted several contributions from Myanmar:
- Community-led Climate Action: Projects in waste management, renewable energy, and sustainable housing empower local communities to lead resilience efforts
- Low-Cost, Adaptable Solutions: Affordable methods, like the Fukuoka waste management model and Tametotto for rainwater harvesting, using local skills and materials.
- Knowledge Sharing & Networks: M-CAN’s role in connecting civil society and youth groups across Myanmar fosters innovation and ownership of climate resilience strategies.
- National Urban Policy Programme (NUPP): Offering strategic guidance for developing Myanmar’s urban policies and smart city strategies, strengthening urban resilience.
The Brown-bag Climate Chat: “Integrated Flood Recovery and Resilience: Housing and Local Action in Conflict-Affected Areas”
At the M-CAN booth, the session titled “Integrated Flood Recovery and Resilience: Housing and Local Action in Conflict-Affected Areas” featured a presentation by Prof. Hiroto Kobayashi of Keio University. He introduced his groundbreaking work on Veneer Houses, an innovative shelter solution for communities affected by disasters, with particular focus on Myanmar case.
The session facilitated engaging discussions on resilience and recovery strategies, with contributions from high-ranking participants across various sectors and countries. The insights shared will continue to inform approaches to climate resilience and recovery, creating pathways for more sustainable and resilient communities.
In collaboration with UN-Habitat Myanmar, M-CAN is dedicated to fostering sustainable and resilient communities and eager to implement the valuable insights gained from WUF12.
The immediate press release, followed by the Cairo Call for Action, was issued as the outcome of WUF12. These documents are available on the following websites:
- WUF12 Press Release: press_release_closing_of_wuf12_8november_2024.pdf
- Cairo Call to Action: cairo-call-to-action-wuf12.pdf
