The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan are working with the Municipality of Ulaanbaatar to improve its capacity to plan, implement and operate its urban master plan.

“Urban planning in Ulaanbaatar needs to use modern, integrated, multisector approaches. It should include plans that are more flexible in responding to the market-led economy, and allow a greater role for communities in determining the future of their urban areas through participatory consultations,” said Diwesh Sharan, Director at ADB’s East Asia Department.

The $1.5 million grant, financed by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction and administered by the ADB, will enhance technical skills for urban planners, strengthen participatory processes among key stakeholders, establish a shared urban planning database, and upgrade planning software.

Earlier this year, the government approved a master plan for Ulaanbaatar up to the year 2030.

For the first time, the redevelopment of poor and highly polluted peri-urban ger areas is formally and fully incorporated in the city’s overall development and urban infrastructure programming.

Strengthening current planning procedures, regulations, standards and abilities at all levels, will enable Ulaanbaatar to better plan and regulate its urban development and implement more efficiently its plan.

Improved capacity to plan will help to better overcome long-term economic, social and
environmental problems and ultimately improve the quality of city life. It will also facilitate the integration and operation of its urban infrastructure.

This project will further complement existing and future ADB urban projects in Mongolia.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through
inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2012, ADB assistance totaled $21.6 billion, including cofinancing of $8.3 billion.