The policy brief on Pathways to Sustainable Development: The Nexus of Transport, Energy, and Urban Planning in Asia and the Pacific emphasizes the intertwined relationship between urban planning, energy, and transportation, which are crucial for achieving, among others, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 11. Set against the dynamic landscape of Asia and the Pacific, which is marked by high urban population densities, rising energy demand, and rapid motorization rates, the region's commitment to the SDGs is paramount. The integration of these sectors is not only central to the feasibility of sustainable transport modes like electric vehicles, but also pivotal in contributing to clean and reliable energy for all (SDG 7) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). This synthesis gains even more significance in the aftermath of the United Nations’High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in July 2023, where the urgency for leveraging this nexus was highlighted as essential for fostering sustainable development. 

The current state of the transport, energy, and urban planning sectors reveals the challenge of accelerating decarbonization, while fostering economic development, and addressing infrastructure gaps. The transport sector grapples with the significant impact of carbon dioxide emissions from road vehicles, while the energy sector contends with a growing demand heavily reliant on fossil fuels, despite initiatives aimed at improving
energy efficiency through renewable sources. Urban planning is at a crossroads, with the pressing necessity to accommodate increasing demands for housing and services and bolster climate resilience, particularly in areas with a high prevalence of marginalized communities. 

Looking ahead, the prospects of integrating transport, energy, and urban planning are closely tied to the capabilities of cities, governments, and communities. Challenges include ensuring equitable access to efficient technologies and preventing the reinforcement of existing socio-spatial inequalities. Governments play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable transformations through fiscal policies and political leadership, while communities face the direct impact of these changes in terms of urban health and liveability. This policy brief places emphasis on the integration of public and commercial hubs through modern forms of urban planning, such as transit-oriented development. 

Practical applications of the nexus through real-world case studies of Fiji and India demonstrate the challenges and strategies involved in developing integrated low-carbon transport systems and the intricacies of grid integration for electric vehicles. Support mechanisms provided by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, as well as frameworks such as Avoid-Shift-Improve and the Sustainable Urban Transport Index, also provide structured approaches to planning and implementing urban mobility, drawing on synergies with the energy and planning sectors. 

This policy brief presents a series of recommendations aimed at nurturing an inclusive and sustainable urban transport ecosystem. It calls for the localization of SDGs, stressing the influential role of local administrations and communities as catalysts for transformative change. This policy brief also underscores the importance of political commitment to cross-sectoral collaboration and the development of integrated transport master plans, while considering the need to address socio-spatial inequalities. The integration of low-carbon technologies is promoted as a pivotal move, highlighting the need for coordination across the transport, urban planning, and energy sectors to pave a sustainable future.