This volume represents the experiences of several Asian municipal leaders and representatives of development agencies in improving governance and delivery of municipal services, particularly through partnerships with the private sector and nongovernment organizations. It is also a summary of the proceedings of the Asian Mayors' Forum held in Colombo in June 1999.

Drawn together from a conference organized around the formidable problems facing many Asian cities in the 21st century, this collection of papers highlights current success stories and details strategies for providing effective local management under difficult circumstances. Diverse examples from Bangladesh. India, and Sri Lanka highlight the different ways emerging cities have coped with rapid urbanization, growing demand for better public services, and declining financial support from central governments. Particular attention is paid to management success in Ahmedabad and Calcutta.

This volume, published by the ADB Institute and ADB, contains the views, experiences, and plans of Asian municipal leaders in tackling the high incidence of poverty among their citizens through five critical interventions: creating jobs for the poor, building partnerships for reducing poverty, working together to improve slums, expanding housing for the poor, and getting rid of urban waste.

This book is unique in that it brings forth the nature and characteristics of 21st century Asian urbanization. It provides a basic framework, particularly as it relates to the patterns, characteristics and problems associated with urbanization. Urban structural models are discussed in relation to their applicability and non-applicability. It is of relevance to researchers and students working in the fields of social geography, Asian studies, urban economies, urban and regional planning and social issues.