New Capitals and New Cities of Central Asia. Water-Sensitive Urban Planning and Housing for Climate Resilience

Central Asia is experiencing a renewed phase of rapid urban expansion and demographic growth. Today, urban development across the region is unfolding at an even greater scale and intensity than during the transformative period of the 2000s to mid-2010s. Several new cities and capital expansions are being planned and constructed in arid and semi-arid environments, where water stress is acute due to the region’s landlocked geography. As urbanisation accelerates amid increasing climate risks, integrating water-sensitive approaches into urban planning and housing has become an urgent priority to ensure long-term resilience, equity and sustainability. The session, "New Capitals and New Cities of Central Asia: Water-Sensitive Urban Planning and Housing for Climate Resilience", explores how emerging capitals and newly planned cities—such as Astana (Kazakhstan), Yangi Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Alatau City (Kazakhstan), Arkadag and Ashgabat (Turkmenistan), Residential Complex “Altai City” in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) and New Karakorum (Mongolia)—are embedding water-sensitive urban planning principles into master plans, housing strategies, infrastructure systems and governance frameworks. It highlights innovative planning approaches, nature-based solutions, resilient housing typologies and decentralised water systems. Experts will also present policy instruments that place water security and climate-adaptive solutions at the core of expanding housing supply, while promoting inclusive and sustainable urban development. Through comparative case studies and practitioner insights, the session positions Central Asia as an emerging practice hub for water-sensitive urban planning in arid and climate-vulnerable contexts. It will generate actionable policy recommendations relevant to cities worldwide facing similar water and climate constraints, fostering international knowledge exchange and South - South cooperation. The session aims to catalyse dialogue among urban planners, developers and international organisations on how water-sensitive urban planning can accelerate the delivery of adequate housing and support a climate-resilient urban future.