Many Southeast Asian countries are experiencing unprecedented economic growth and urbanization. In 2014, the United Nations reported that about 47 percent of the population in Southeast Asia resides in urban areas. This is expected to increase to 64 percent by 2050. The region has seen rapid and often unplanned development and the emergence of megacities that face severe urban challenges and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Through Ambitious City Promises, cities in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam will receive support in establishing and implementing ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments and local
climate action plans. Each of these countries faces unique and complex urban challenges, and their carbon emissions are expected to rise without appropriate interventions.