In this session of the ADB Distinguished Speakers Series, Paul Romer gave a lecture on "Urbanization and Development: The Power of the Grid". He highlighted the critical role of urbanization in driving economic growth and catch-up, stipulating that urbanization leads to formal sector employment (initially in manufacturing), which leads to the acquisition of human capital, which leads to GDP growth, which in turn leads to increased infrastructure. He also underscored the importance of public space and planning for urban development, and addressed urban initiatives which policymakers can use in rapidly growing cities to create economic opportunity and undertake systemic social reform.