Comparative Legal Research on Spatial Planning Hierarchies at Various Administrative Levels: Bangladesh, Japan, Malaysia, Panama, Paraguay, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Thailand, Philippines.

UN-Habitat conducted this comparative legal study of spatial planning laws and governance frameworks in nine countries—Bangladesh, Japan, Malaysia, Panama, Paraguay, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, Thailand, and the Philippines—as part of its technical support to the Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building project in Viet Nam. The study examined how planning mandates and hierarchies are defined and implemented across national, regional/provincial, and local levels, and how these frameworks foster integrated, participatory, and effective urban development.

The case studies reveal that well-defined institutional mandates, adequate human and financial resources, and mechanisms for vertical and horizontal coordination are critical to ensure cohesive and inclusive territorial planning. In particular, the experiences of countries such as Japan and South Africa illustrate how multilevel governance and structured stakeholder engagement can significantly enhance planning outcomes. Furthermore, examples from the Philippines, Panama, and Malaysia emphasize the importance of aligning planning instruments through a clearly defined hierarchy supported by legal frameworks, ensuring both coherence and adaptability to local contexts.

The study aims to support the Government of Viet Nam in developing a modern, rights-based and SDG and NUA aligned planning law that strengthens institutional capacities, enables inclusive governance, and ensures the integrated and sustainable management of urban growth and land use.