Keynote Lecture: Enhancing Environmental Sustainability in Asia-Pacific: Role of ADB

Tomoyuki Kimura, Director General of ADB's Strategy, Policy, and Partnerships Department gave a keynote lecture during the Opening Plenary of the International Symposium on Education and Research in Global Environmental Studies in Asia organized by Kyoto University on 26 November 2019. He presented an overview of ADB's integrated approach that combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships under Strategy 2030 and engaged with experts and scholars in discussions to enhance environmental sustainability in Asia and the Pacific.

2nd Regional Knowledge-Sharing Workshop: Strengthening the Environment Dimensions of the SDGs in Asia and the Pacific

This workshop aims to disseminate the findings and technical guidance materials developed during Phase 1 of ADB's Technical Assistance on Supporting the Implementation of Environment Related SDGs in Asia and the Pacific, and disseminate knowledge, experiences and lessons learnt from the Phase 2 in-country subprojects from Mongolia, the Philippines and Viet Nam, and other relevant case studies. It also seeks to agree on the next steps in taking forward this agenda.

Digital Development Forum 2019

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.

Sanitation Systems Change: Why We Need a Radical Rethink to Achieve SDG 6.2

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.