Abstract

• Like other Southeast Asian countries, Myanmar is experiencing a continuous urbanisation process since its independence in 1948. The urban population has risen from 2.6 million in 1953 to 8.5 million in 1983 and up to 17.4 million 2021. This growth has transformed the Myanmar's urban system substantially. Today, it is characterised by a tripolar structure headed by the largest three cities – Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, and almost 400 cities and towns of regional and local importance. While Myanmar's urban system is still remarkably balanced, numerous regional cities and local towns throughout the country are expanding and became drivers of regional development. Many cities and towns in border, mountain and coastal areas have expanded with growing economic activities and (inter)national investments which accelerated domestic migration. Substantial impulses have been drawn from international discussions. The ‘National Sustainable Development Strategy for Myanmar’ (2009) and the ‘Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan’ (2018) had already address the key principles of sustainability. These were applied in urban strategies inspired by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and especially the Sustainable Development Goals (in particular: SDG 11) and the New Urban Agenda (2016). Against this background, this paper aims to investigate, first, the recent urbanisation dynamics in Myanmar and, second, general principles and strategies of urban sustainability in order to stimulate scientific discussion on sustainable development in Myanmar. The study is based on a mixed method approach, combining a review of (inter)national literature and planning documents with an analysis of secondary data and qualitative expert interviews. Finally, it summarises recommendations for priorities of a more sustainable urbanisation in Myanmar.