Asia’s future is urban. Cities are booming in Asia because they are hubs of economic and social opportunities for people and enterprises. Increasing urbanization, however, does not necessarily translate to increasing opportunities for the residents of cities.

ADB on 29 April launched Creating Livable Asian Cities, which explores how Asia’s fast-growing cities can fulfill their potential as seedbeds of innovations, prosperity, inclusiveness, and sustainability.

The book features 19 articles that unwrap the challenges hampering the cities to reach their redevelopment potentials and propose possible technological and institutional solutions focused on five priority themes. The book is aimed at helping cities to address multiple challenges and capitalize on opportunities by sharing knowledge solutions on innovations, technological and digital advancements, and the good practices in urban governance.

Specifically, the book highlights five key priorities to create livable Asian cities focused on:

• smart and inclusive planning
• sustainable energy
• sustainable transport
• innovative finance
• resilience and rejuvenation

The publication calls for renewed attempts to respond to urban solutions with a different perspective amid the pandemic. Getting these essentials right in cities today is vital in order to adapt to the demands of tomorrow.

The book launch was followed by a panel discussion on pressing issues related to livable cities in the region. Download the publication.