Accelerating the Implementation of the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy (ASUS)

The ASUS Project aims to increase understanding and implementation of the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy (ASUS) among ASEAN member states, and to bridge ASEAN cities’ experiences to regional and global levels.  

During the ASUS Project – Phase I (2020-2022), Kaysone Phomvihane City was selected to participate in the project, developing a City Technical Proposal focused on urban mobility and targeted to the preparation of a City Sustainable Transport Plan. The proposal outlines interventions to increase the number of people using public transport services, thereby reducing average travel time, while increasing passenger satisfaction towards public transport use.  

In 2024, the project transitioned to Phase II (2024-2026), building upon and scaling up the fundamental principles of Phase I to accelerate sustainable urbanisation practices by implementing the ASUS in secondary and intermediate cities. Phase II continues to place ASUS at the centre of action for sustainable urbanisation in ASEAN whilst enhancing connectivity and activity for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda across the region.  

The ASEAN region continues to experience rapid urbanisation. Since 2020, more than 50% of ASEAN’s population has lived in urban areas, and this figure is projected to rise to almost 56% in 2030, an increase of 70 million urban dwellers (335 million to 405 million). Secondary and smaller cities are increasingly vital in determining sustainable urbanisation and sustainable development across ASEAN. By 2030, at least 50% of ASEAN’s urban growth will happen in cities of less than one million people. Compared to larger, well-resourced cities, these cities require broader support and resources. Sustainable strategies and approaches for urban development are necessary to provide people across ASEAN with a higher quality of life and well-being in sustainable environments and to meet ASEAN and global development frameworks.

• Project Title: Accelerating the Implementation of the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy – Phase II
• Status: 
  • Phase I: Project Completed
  • Phase II: Project Under Implementation 
• Geographic Coverage:
  • Overall project: ASEAN Member States
  • Lao PDR – Phase I: Savannakhet province
  • Lao PDR – Phase II: Savannakhet, Luang Prabang and Oudomxay provinces 
• Duration:
  • Phase I: 2020 – 2022
  • Phase II: 2024 –2026
• Partnership: ASEAN Secretariat, Ministry of Public Works and Transport; Kaysone Phomvihane City Mayor Office, Savannakhet Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport; Kaysone Phomvihane City Development and Services Management Office;  and Savannakhet Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, Luang Prabang City Mayor Office, Luang Prabang Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport, Luang Prabang City Management and Services Office, Luang Prabang Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, Xay City Mayor Office, Oudomxay Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport, and Oudomxay Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment 
• Donor: ASEAN Secretariat
• Shortened Project Title: ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy