How can ADB strengthen and maintain channels of cooperation with civil society in a rapidly-changing Asia and Pacific region? Civil society groups and ADB thematic and sector group leaders will reinforce their commitment to meaningful and mutual engagement in CSO Insights: A Listening and Dialogue Forum, set for 21–22 September at ADB Headquarters.

CSO Insights is an annual two-day outreach event organized by the bank as a space for engagement with civil society in addition to the ADB Annual Meetings. It is designed to maintain continuing communications with civil society organizations (CSOs) and to gather program and project recommendations that complement and supplement ADB’s work, particularly on a thematic and sector operations level.

This year’s CSO Insights will focus on CSO engagement in ADB's work in energy and transport; water and urban development; agriculture and food security, social and disability inclusion; environmental and social safeguards; ADB’s accountability mechanism, and business opportunities with ADB for CSOs and the academia. CSO Insights will also host a session looking back on 25 years of ADB and CSO engagement and cooperation, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the ADB NGO and Civil Society Center.