“Leaving no one behind” is the central principle of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Cooperation and inclusion are key concepts in its implementation which can be achieved through effective engagement with civil society organizations (CSOs) and NGOs. The advancement of the SDGs depends on concerted efforts by governments and all stakeholders, including CSOs, governments, international finance institutions like ADB, and other development actors.

Together with the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), ADB’s NGO and Civil Society Center, launched a Call for Papers about “Engaging CSOs in Advancing the SDGs.” The top eight research papers were presented at the knowledge-sharing event on 26 to 28 September 2018, in Tokyo Japan. The main objective of the forum is to discuss the contribution of CSOs in achieving the SDGs, and how the government, ADB, and other development actors could engage them effectively in the realization of the global goals.