Can the pandemic serve as a turning point for cities in Asia and the Pacific — not just for recovery, but for a leap forward? Building Forward Better offers a compelling collection of speeches and insights from Prof. Bambang Susantono, exploring how urban development can evolve in a post-pandemic world. Emphasizing the slogan "building forward better" rather than "building back better," the book delves into several key themes: digitalization and the economy, education and skills development, climate resilience, climate finance, connectivity, and sustainable development.This book's first theme explores how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the ongoing digital transformation for individuals and businesses. The second theme examines the pandemic's impact on education and skills, particularly the shift to online learning and the growing need for lifelong upskilling. The third theme highlights the increasing urgency of addressing climate change in Asia and the Pacific, with a focus on building climate resilience. The fourth theme centers on discussions of climate finance, including topics such as carbon pricing, climate banks, and sustainable finance. The fifth theme addresses connectivity in cities, from transportation to infrastructure. The final theme explores strategies for aligning city development efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly about gender equality and youth empowerment. Lastly, the book consolidates its discussions by summarizing the key points of each theme, reiterating the concept of "building forward better" to promote sustainable development and resilience in the region.
