Governance in Megacities: Experiences, Challenges and Implications for International Cooperation

Abstract

Megacities have moved from being associated predominantly with developed countries to a mainly developing-country phenomenon, which also reflects the overall trend and pattern of urbanisation in the last few decades. In this chapter, we explore major issues, experiences and challenges connected to megacity governance, with particular emphasis on megacities in emerging market economies and developing countries. While megacities in these countries are important drivers of national economies and international globalisation, they are also homes to rising inequalities and conflicts between different interest groups. Their governance assumes crucial importance in order to manage these increasing disparities and ensure that megacities become more equitable as well as efficient and sustainable as well as productive. This chapter also explores the evolution of the concept of urban governance, highlighting the governance challenges faced by megacities. It concludes by providing recommendations that could help making megacities in emerging markets and developing countries more inclusive and sustainable, emphasising the role of international cooperation in this regard.