The publication comprises four papers written by Professor Patrick Wakely, Mr. Kirtee Shah and Mr. Arif Hasan, Mr. Adnan Aliani that set the stage for discussions during the Second Asia-Pacific Urban Forum. It highlights cross-cutting issues such as: global trade agreements, economic reforms and their impact on cities, governance and institutional reform, empowering the poor, cities in transition economies, cities as the engines of economic growth, civic engagement and the role of the media, urban transport and communications, women in cities, improving urban research, education and training, urban finance, emerging technologies and their impact on cities, urban physical and social space, children in cities and housing and urban indicators. Summaries of four sub-regional urban forums are presented as well. Urban activities of a number of international agencies (ACHR, ADB, CITYNET, UMP, UNCRD, UNEP, UNESCO and Healthy Cities Programme) are also included.