Asia’s urban landscape is challenging. From 1990 to 2010, Asia and the Pacific’s urban population grew by 29%, faster than any other region. In 2050, some 3.3 billion people are expected to be living in Asian cities, up from about 1.9 billion in 2010.

Already about 75% of the region’s GDP is generated in urban areas. Asia’s cities need to function efficiently. They will have a big impact on the region’s long-term productivity and stability.

Andrew McIntyre, an urban development specialist at ADB, is leading the Future Cities Program. This new program is establishing long-term partnerships with cities across the region to help map out their needs, provide access to knowledge and expertise, build the capacity of city officials, and mobilize the investments cities will need to prosper.

This week, Andrew is leading a team in Tbilisi, Georgia, looking at how to build on the impact of a successful urban transport project, contribute to integrated city planning, and broaden ADB's investment pipeline.