Building Resilient and Sustainable Megacities: Insights from the 9th MeTTA Forum
On September 30, the 9th Megacity Think Tank Alliance (MeTTA) Forum convened at COEX, Seoul, bringing together over 400 participants from leading think tanks and urban research institutes worldwide. The forum, themed “Megacities in a Global Transition: Towards Sustainable, Inclusive, and Resilient Urban Futures,” served as a dynamic platform for sharing ideas and strategies to address the unique challenges facing the world’s largest metropolitan areas.
Hosted by the Seoul Institute and MeTTA, the forum featured experts and policymakers sharing insights on resilient urban development and sustainable transitions for megacities. A key highlight of the event was the presentation by Shu Zhu, Regional Director of ICLEI East Asia. In his address, Zhu underscored the critical importance of urban resilience, stating, “Without resilience, economic growth is unsustainable. A resilient city can withstand disasters, minimize casualties, and ensure the continuity of essential urban functions.” He introduced ICLEI’s “Three-Stage, Nine-Step” methodology, a comprehensive guide for cities aiming to advance disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation—from risk assessment through implementation to ongoing monitoring.
Shu Zhu, Regional Director of ICLEI East Asia, presented at the Megacity Think Tank Alliance (MeTTA) Forum
Shu Zhu further emphasized that urban resilience extends beyond just infrastructure. “Urban resilience is not just about infrastructure. It’s about awareness, governance, policy, and the smart use of technology,” he noted. This holistic approach highlights the need for multifaceted strategies involving governance, policy innovation, and technological adaptation. ICLEI remains committed to supporting cities worldwide in their journey to become more resilient, low-carbon, and sustainable through its expansive global network.
The MeTTA itself, established in 2014, exemplifies collaborative urban problem-solving. Comprised of prominent institutions such as the Seoul Institute, Beijing Institute of City Planning and Design (BICP), Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities, Shanghai Urban Planning and Design Research Institute (SUPDRI), and Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies (HIDS), MeTTA fosters dialogue and partnership across borders. ICLEI also contributes as an associate member, further strengthening the network’s impact.
As megacities continue to grow and evolve amidst global transitions, forums like MeTTA play a vital role in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban futures. By sharing knowledge, best practices, and fostering international collaboration, these gatherings empower cities to rise to the challenges of our rapidly urbanizing world.
Prior to the Forum, the ICLEI East Asia delegation also attended the 9th MeTTA General Assembly on September 29 in Seoul, where members reviewed new applications, discussed future operations, and confirmed upcoming host cities. The next Assembly will be held in 2026 in Beijing, China, hosted by the Beijing Municipal Institute of City Planning and Design. ICLEI East Asia looks forward to further deepening collaboration with MeTTA to strengthen regional partnerships and advance sustainable and resilient urban development.
