High-Level Roundtable on Asian Cities: Fostering Growth and Inclusion

Urbanization is widely believed to be an engine of growth. Cities host dynamic firms and create productive jobs, with agglomerations resulting in better matches between workers and jobs, strong input-output linkages, and more knowledge spillovers. But there is some concern that the nature of urbanization underway in developing countries today may undermine the potential for cities to serve as engines of growth and generate productive and well-paying jobs for workers at large.

Social Enterprise Solutions Servicing Rural Communities and Sustainable Tourism Development in Indonesia

Local start-up Sumba Sustainable Solutions are partnering with rural women to reduce their domestic workload using solar-powered corn and rice mills in remote villages in Sumba, Indonesia. The mills are coupled with household Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) solar light and phone charger systems in a sustainable social business model currently servicing 2500 customers.

Preserving Biodiversity in the Philippines’ New Clark City Project

ADB is supporting the New Clark City (NCC) in assessing impacts on water resources and biodiversity. In this session, scientists presented findings on NCC's flora, fauna, and aquatic ecosystems, including an analysis of land-use change and future scenarios vis-a-vis urban development. Integrating biodiversity-friendly, nature-based approaches was discussed.

From Plastic Waste to Transitional Shelters—The Circular Economy for Healthy Oceans

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.

8th International Skills Forum: Future of Skills and Jobs in the Age of Digital Disruptions

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.

Demonstrating Water-Food-Energy Nexus through Water Conservation Beijing Capital Region, PRC

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.

Seminar on International Rules and Practices for Secure International Trade

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.

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