Institute for Urban Safety Governance
Safe Cities for a Changing World
Safe Cities for a Changing World
The Institute of Urban Safety Governance (IUSG) is a regional hub for learning, research, and policy innovation focused on making cities in Asia safer, more inclusive, and better prepared for the risks of the 21st century. As part of the Asian School of Governance, we work with local governments, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and private sector leaders to strengthen systems of urban safety—across disaster resilience, public health, transport, housing, and community protection.
A future where every city in Asia can ensure the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all residents—especially the most vulnerable—in the face of climate change, rapid urbanization, and social inequality.
We view urban safety not simply as the absence of risk, but as the presence of systems that promote trust, equity, preparedness, and resilience. We focus on:
Risk-Informed Urban Governance
Helping cities embed risk analysis and evidence-based decision-making into planning, budgeting, and service delivery.
Inclusive and Adaptive Institutions
Supporting the design and reform of institutions that protect the rights, health, and security of all urban residents.
Community-Centered Innovation
Fostering partnerships between local governments and grassroots organizations to co-produce safety solutions.
Leadership and Capacity Development
Equipping mayors, city managers, and frontline responders with the tools and mindsets to lead amidst complexity and uncertainty.
Urban Safety Labs
Action-learning partnerships with selected cities to co-design scalable, context-specific safety innovations.
Local Government Fellowships
A leadership program for urban managers and public safety officials focused on collaborative problem-solving in high-risk environments.
Research and Policy Studio
A transdisciplinary platform producing policy briefs, case studies, and practice guides on emerging urban safety challenges.
Urban Safety Governance Index
A benchmarking tool to help cities assess and improve their performance across key dimensions of urban safety.
Climate-related disasters and risk reduction
Gender-based violence and community safety
Public health emergencies and epidemic preparedness
Transport and pedestrian safety
Safe housing and informal settlements
Urban conflict and social cohesion
We are building a regional coalition of cities, universities, civil society leaders, and donors committed to advancing urban safety governance. Whether you're a policymaker, researcher, or community advocate—we invite you to collaborate with us in shaping safer futures for Asia’s urban spaces.
Leaders and Changemakers catalyze and sustain change.
Social Labs increase local innovation capacity.
Universities drive local development.