Healthy Cities by Design: Green Infrastructure and Climate Resilience

OPENING REMARKS
Diana Torres
Regional Governance Advisor, UNDP Asia and the Pacific

Diana Torres is the UNDP Regional Governance Advisor for Asia-Pacific, where she leads efforts to strengthen urban governance systems and support cities in advancing inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development. With over two decades of global experience in public sector reform and democratic governance across Latin America, the Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf, Diana brings deep expertise in institutional innovation, multilevel governance, and local accountability.

Since joining UNDP in 2008, she has spearheaded regional and national initiatives to promote open government, strengthen anti-corruption frameworks, and build dynamic governance capabilities. In recent years, she has focused on supporting cities in Asia-Pacific to navigate complex urban challenges by fostering peer learning, enabling collaboration, and helping local governments unlock tools, data, and partnerships that accelerate urban transformation.

Diana is passionate about cities as engines of opportunity and social progress. She champions future-ready governance models that anticipate risks, adapt to change, and enable inclusive decision-making. She plays a key role in UNDP’s work to connect city leaders, share cutting-edge solutions, and build capabilities that drive systemic change.

Diana holds a degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Conflict Resolution and Governance from the University of Amsterdam.

SPEAKER
Tan Shin Bin
Assistant Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy,
National University of Singapore

Shin Bin’s research focuses on how built environment interventions and public policy can improve social and health equity. Previously, she worked as an urban planner at the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore. She obtained her PhD and Master in City Planning from the Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2021. 

SPEAKER
Yugesh Pradhanang
International Programme Manager, UNDP Bangladesh

Yugesh Pradhanang is a highly experienced development professional with over 20 years of expertise in urban development, local governance, and climate resilience. He has led impactful programmes across Afghanistan, Ukraine, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Georgia, primarily with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). His work focuses on building community resilience, promoting sustainable livelihoods, advancing gender equality, and driving climate adaptation in urban areas.

Currently serving as International Programme Manager at UNDP Bangladesh, Yugesh leads a major urban initiative across 19 cities, addressing urban poverty and climate vulnerability. His leadership has mobilised four million urban poor, empowered women leaders, and introduced innovative, community-driven infrastructure and affordable housing models for low-income families.

With a background in civil engineering and a Master’s in Sustainable Energy Systems, Yugesh integrates technical expertise with strategic development. He is known for his leadership in policy advocacy, resource mobilisation, and stakeholder engagement. His contributions include shaping Bangladesh’s National Urban Policy and developing tools like poverty mapping and vulnerability assessments to guide planning.

Yugesh’s inclusive, sustainability-focused approach and regional experience make him a key driver of urban transformation, governance reform, and climate resilience for vulnerable communities.

SPEAKER
Cristina Kuo Lin
Divisional Director, Atelier Ten, an SJ company

Cristina is a Divisional Director at Atelier Ten Singapore, where she leads climate-responsive design in tropical urban environments. Her work focuses on mitigating urban heat through integrated strategies that enhance outdoor thermal comfort, health, and well-being. In this session, she will share approaches to mitigating the Urban Heat Island effect and improving comfort conditions in tropical cities, and how thoughtful placemaking can foster healthier, more resilient urban life.

MODERATOR
Stewart Tan
Deputy Director, Centre for Liveable Cities

Stewart Tan (BBA/Hons, MSc/ Management from the National University of Singapore Business School) is Deputy Director of Research at the Centre for Liveable Cities, where he leads CLC’s Future Communities and Social and Behavioural Sciences research pillars. He is currently driving research in the areas of understanding and anticipating the future needs and aspirations of communities in response to societal shifts and built environment challenges, the development of novel social science methodologies in collaboration with academia and agency partners, as well as driving social and behavioural science application for the Urban Systems and Sustainability and Infrastructure and Environment sectors under the ambit of the Science of Cities Workgroup. Stewart also oversees the forging of research partnerships with local and international research thinktanks and institutes of higher learning. During his time in CLC, Stewart has produced several publications and book chapters for local and international audiences on the topics of housing, diversity and security.