Special theme: Sustainable development challenges in the Pacific small Island developing states: The role of regional cooperation: Urbanization, climate change and sustainable development in the Pacific small Island states: The role of regional cooperation and integration

The future of human development depends considerably on sustainable, inclusive and climate resilient urban expansion. Pacific small island developing States are urbanizing rapidly and prone to environmental and climate change vulnerabilities. The role of regional cooperation and integration is critical to meet urban challenges. The present paper covers the theoretical discourse between urbanization, environmental/climate change and sustainable urban development. Urbanization trends in Pacific small island developing States are examined from the perspective of the environmental/climate change vulnerabilities along with the challenges, opportunities and the role of regional cooperation and integration in meeting the urban challenges to achieving sustainable urban development.