Initiatives for the sustainable development of fast-growing cities and urban regions will only be effective in the long term if local decision makers have the appropriate know-how. This is where the ten collaborative projects from the SURE funding priority come in: Their research activities point out the ecological and economic circumstances as well as the urban planning and technological requirements under which climate-friendly and resilient lifestyles can successfully be implemented. In this context a close cooperation with actors from politics, public administration, civil society and business in Southeast Asia and China is crucial. By means of collaborative working methods between German and Asian partners from different disciplines sustainable and accepted solutions are developed that have a high implementation potential. The associated institutions in Germany, Southeast Asia and China work together as equal partners (»co-creation by peers«).