Right planning is important amid the challenges posed by climate change, according to Vijay Jagannathan Secretary-General of the CityNet Secretariat, on Monday.

CityNet is the largest association of urban stakeholders committed to sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region.

Jagannathan, in a media conference on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the CityNet 44th Executive Committee meeting hosted by Iloilo City, said their organization has been promoting sustainable development in all their member cities, but now they are facing challenges.

“So the big change which is happening now is that all our city leaders are beginning to realize that climate change is for real, and they are all also becoming very aware that they have to do proper planning,” he said.

Having Iloilo City as a host for the gathering is very important since it has done its planning ahead of the others, he said.

“I remember when typhoon Haiyan hit this part of the Visayas, you were not affected that much because you had done the right planning. That has to, and that is what we are trying to press,” he added.

Another important part he said is how one can help in reducing the impact of climate change.

“But the immediate issue is climate change. How do you not only prepare against climate change and risk, but also how do you take advantage like reducing your carbon footprint or saving, improving your solid waste management, and getting revenue out of that,” he said.

The second day of the three-day event that opened on Monday at the Iloilo Convention Center will focus on knowledge exchange, including sessions on climate leadership, workforce development, and the Sustainable Development Goals Award.

The event anchors on the theme “Living the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Shared Future for All.” (PNA)