François Lesage, CEO of Plastic Flamingo, shared the social enterprise’s creative way to help address marine plastic pollution and post-disaster recovery—a transitional shelter made from 100% recycled plastic waste. He discussed the value of the circular economy not only for healthy oceans, but also for green cities. 

In this age of disruption and automation, how do we remain responsive and relevant in the world of work?

Developments in artificial intelligence and robotics are seen as major threats to jobs that require routine tasks. There are also growing concerns about rising inequalities and how technology is contributing to wider economic gap. On the positive side, technology provides opportunities to enhance human capacity and productivity.

Already home to over 23 million people, the Beijing Capital Region (BCR) continues to grow, and with it an increasing demand for water amidst resources in decline. ADB is assisting the Beijing Municipal Government to meet the region’s future water demand and is currently reviewing various measures to conserve water.

This seminar guided the participants through the typical trade and supply chain finance cycle, identifying the correct trade product for different stages and situations and how to apply them for best results and development impact. The seminar was case study-driven and focused on the correct application of international trade finance rules and standards, including discussion on Basel implications, supply chain finance, and initiatives on environmental safeguards in trade finance transactions.

Aggregate extraction or industrial sand mining – that is, the removal of sand and gravel from its natural environment to be used for construction – is “the environmental catastrophe you’ve never heard of”, says the World Economic Forum.

Water systems and utilities under the circular economy model ensure that the value and usefulness of resources are preserved for a long time. 

In this knowledge sharing session, Claudio de Jesus of Águas de Portugal discussed the opportunity for water utilities to shift from a conventional operational model to one that supports the circular economy, maximizing the use and value of water and conserving both natural and financial capital. 

Smart technologies are changing the game in water utility management.

In this knowledge sharing session, ADB staff who attended a week-long training on smart water utility management and innovations in the urban water sector with the Macao Water Utility shared insights and experiences gained from the event.  They also shared some good practices from a well-managed water operator such as the Macao Water Utility, which can be adopted in ADB's urban projects.

Advances in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies are gaining significant attention across the development sector, but they may open new avenues for integrity risks and corruption. ADB's Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department and Office of Anticorruption and Integrity are promoting a balance between the hype and the future potential of these solutions versus the risks of corruption.