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The State of Asian Cities 2010/11
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| Author(s):
Environment and Development Division (EDD)
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| Economic Sector(s):
(1) Global, regional and multisectoral economic and social development strategies and policies; (2) National development planning; (3) Settlements; (4) Housing; (5) Urban development |
| ESCAP Reference
No.: HS/162/10 E |
| Division/Office:
Environment and Development |
| Published Date:
2010 |
| Country:
Thailand |
| Hard Copy Price:
Free
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| Half the world’s urban population lives in the Asia-Pacificregion, whose economy is the most dynamic in the world, accounting for 30 per cent of global output. This reflectsthe region’s remarkable integration into the world economy, largely based on export-led growth policies. Regardless of average income, cities and towns have been acting as the engines of economic growth in the region, which now hosts half of the world’s mega-cities. New configurationslike mega urban regions, urban corridors and city-regions testify to the close links between urban prosperity and new patterns of spatio-economic activity. Productivity and creativity now enable some Asian-Pacificcities to diversify away from manufacturing and move into the global ‘knowledge economy’.
These remarkable achievements have enabled Asia-Pacificto take the lead in socio-economic progress, too, with significantreductions in extreme poverty as well as improved conditions for slum-dwellers, an area where some countries have already reached the Millennium Development Goals. Still, much remains to be done to reduce poverty in cities, where inequality is on the rise. It is incumbent on national and local government to deploy the strategies that will ensure a fairer distribution of the benefitsof urban prosperity.
Another, daunting challenge is now facing Asian-Pacificcities. In their pursuit of economic growth, they have not paid sufficientattention to urban environment and climate change issues. Demographic pressure weighs on natural resources. No other region in the world is more exposed to all sorts of natural disasters. Asia-Pacificowes most of its prosperity to coastal cities, which are vulnerable to sea-level rises. Now the imminent effects of climate change are compounding the problem, which calls for local mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Some countries in the region have begun to understand the need for inclusive and sustainable urban development. This can only be achieved through broad-ranging policies and huge financialresources which require comprehensive institutional reform, including decentralisation and participatory approaches. This report highlights the major role which well-devised partnerships between national governments, urban authorities, business and civil society can engage in to meet the current and prospective challenges to Asian-Pacific prosperit. |
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