The challenges of urban poverty in Asia are daunting, and investments in urban infrastructure play a key role in addressing these. Cities in Asia need the will, the skills and the resources for working actively towards pro-poor development. The long-term aim of the Cities Development Initiative for Asia (CDIA) is ‘to contribute to the promotion of sustainable and pro-poor urban development, leading to improved environmental and living conditions for all in medium-sized Asian cities’ (2015 CDIA Operational Guidelines).