Urbanization is a major determinant of economic growth in Nepal. Howeveer it has increased inequality, particularly in terms of access to urban goods and services. Most people are coping with differnt types of pressures due to urbanization to get access to essential services while a few are consuming the bulk of the urban goods and services. This is the major challenge of sustainable development in Nepal and the new urban agenda should address this issue.
Just a few years ago, I have mentioned in my book “Managing Environment and Cities for Sustainable Development” that the balancing of the three elements of sustaiable development – growth, equity and environment, is specific to the stage of development of a particular country and a poor country cannot afford to contribute to equity or environment much. The principle of CBDR also shows that the richer nations who are more responsibe in depleting the Planet’s resource should have mroe responsibility. If urbanization makes some people more fortunate, they should be encouraged to contribute to social capital. The implementation of this requires governance with an objective towards inclusion and an commitment to realize the costs of the consumption of environmental resources. Urban legislaton should be construed towards this end to make urbanization and the new urban agenda work for inclusive sustainable growth,