Surabaya, Indonesia – In the spirit of Kartini Day, which celebrates women’s empowerment and the fight for equality in Indonesia, the City of Surabaya proudly joins regional leaders and global advocates at the 81st Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). At this critical forum, Surabaya is taking part in the joint side event hosted by UN Women and UNICEF, titled “Transforming Urban Care Systems.”

Held today at the UNESCAP headquarters in Bangkok and online, this event calls for a whole-of-society approach to reimagining cities through care-centered, inclusive, and gender-responsive urban planning. By investing in local care systems and infrastructure, cities can build resilience, foster social cohesion, and promote economic empowerment, particularly for women and marginalized communities.

Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi says,"as Mayor of Surabaya, I reaffirm our city’s commitment to urban development that honors Kartini’s vision of equality by prioritizing access, dignity, and opportunity for all, especially caregivers and women, who are often at the heart of care systems.

Surabaya City commends UN Women and UNICEF for leading this transformative conversation and empowering cities like Surabaya to become models of inclusive progress.

"By carrying forward Kartini’s legacy, we are building stronger cities, but a fairer, more compassionate future," Eri Cahyadi adds. "Together, let’s make caring cities the future of Asia."

Arie Rukmantara, Chief of Field Office at UNICEF Indonesia, acknowledged Surabaya's ambition to increase participation of children and women and emphasized that when cities like Surabaya develop as city that care for children and women, then it becomes a city for everyone.

"When Surabaya decides to put care at the center of their urban development agenda, they not only build physical infrastructure, but also lay the foundation for social justice, community resilience, and economic opportunity. We will applaud Surabaya's leadership and urge others to follow this bold, human-centered approach,” Arie said.