The Digital Development Forum aimed to focus on the critical role of digital technology in the operational priorities under ADB’s Strategy 2030. The Forum:

• identified ways to adopt advanced technologies in ADB operations and increase the impact of ADB projects and programs; and
• ensured integration of the Digital Development Action Plan into the operational priorities.

Dr. Roshan Shrestha of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) discussed their work towards addressing the global sanitation crisis, particularly SDG 6.2 on achieving adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene and ending open defecation.  BMGF is recognized for challenging the status quo on sanitation, pushing the limits of what can be done and innovating age-old systems and practices to possibly provide sanitation for all.

Earth Observation for Sustainable Development (EO4SD) is an initiative of the European Space Agency that aims to increase the uptake of satellite-based environmental information in international financial institutions. It will follow a systematic, user-driven approach in order to meet longer-term, strategic geospatial information needs in the individual developing countries, as well as international and regional development organizations.

Tractebel, an international consulting firm headquartered in Brussels, discussed their 360-degree city scan, a holistic methodology that can be used to assess cities. This session also featured the company’s other services complementing the value chain of an urban development project, from master plans and conceptual design to detailed design and execution. 

ADB's South Asia Regional Department, in collaboration with the World Bank’s South Asia Energy and Social Development Units and Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), organized the Second Partnership Forum of the Women in Power Sector Professional Network in South Asia– WePOWER – to support workforce participation of women in energy projects and institutions, and promote normative change regarding women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.  

ADB launched the Asian Development Outlook 2019 Update: Fostering Growth and Inclusion in Asia's Cities, an update to its flagship economic publication, the Asian Development Outlook 2019 (ADO). The ADO provides a comprehensive analysis of macroeconomic issues in developing Asia, including economic growth projections and prospects by country and region.