From the surveys and the in-depth studies, we have learned lessons that can be grouped under three main headings.


1. Urban Administration
Good information can be obtained from administrators; these front line managers of modern urban processes and problems deserve to be listened to.

Stable administrative staffing, with personnel committing long periods, even a life-time, to one city, makes for more effective problem solving.

Effective urban planning requires control over a relatively large area, over which consolidated authority should be exercised. Cross cutting authorities in one territory impeded effective urban administration.

Combining population and development activities works most effectively to raise the quality of life.

Devolution of authority makes sense. Giving local administrators greater authority over resources, and greater initiative in decision making makes for more effective local problem solving.


2. Urban Conditions
There have been major successes throughout Asia in family planning, primary health care and primary education. The importance of these successes is clearly recognized by urban administrators.

Major problems center on inadequate infrastructure. Rapid population growth from in-migration and natural increase, together with rapid economic development, produces great strains on the inadequate infrastructure of most cities, especially in the poorer countries.

Problems are tied to wealth. Cities in wealthy countries have fewer urgent problems and more resources to deal with those problems. The most serious problems are in the poorest countries.

Population growth causes major problems for cities, but urban administrators also see people as a resource, and growth also implies resources, and greater attention from the central government.

Poverty and gender inequality remain serious problems. In most areas, women have made great progress in health and education, but remain disadvantaged in employment and positions of power and influence.


3. Methodological issue: city size
Cities grow by in-migration and by natural increase. These are recognized and recorded. But they also grow by extending administrative boundaries. This latter source is seldom recognized and not systematically recorded, though it has different policy implications for the city. This source of growth should be more systematically tracked.