Access to, and use of, digital technology in rural areas of developing countries has increased considerably in recent decades, underpinning a vast body of theoretical and empirical research on its implications for agricultural production, trade, and the wellbeing of rural households. Nevertheless, more research is needed to better understand how digitalization affects rural and agricultural development.

As countries begin to recover from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, policy makers must decide what type of economic recovery they want to pursue. Will they choose measures that continue with existing “business-as-usual” economic structures that have a negative impact on the environment? Or will they take up the challenge of rebuilding in a way that ensures an economically and environmentally resilient future?

This webinar highlighted Rohini Pande, Yale University economics professor and Director of the Yale Economic Growth Center, who discussed the interlinkage between poverty, inequality, and power and the role of policy in driving inclusive growth, with ADBI Dean Tetsushi Sonobe and experts.

Asia is home to an estimated 350 million smallholder farmers, who produce around 80% of the food consumed in the region. The impacts of climate change on soil quality and productivity, exacerbated by a growing fertilizer shortage, threaten the region's food security and smallholder farmers' livelihoods.

2:30 – 4:30 pm Manila, Philippines time (GMT+8)

via Zoom

The Circular Economy is an emerging theme internationally. A Circular Economy is a systemic approach to decouple economic development and activity from consuming finite resources. A Circular Economy will allow ADB to tackle global environmental challenges, including climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution, while supporting economic development and reducing poverty.

Economies in Asia and the Pacific are increasingly committing to the goal of carbon neutrality, in line with the Paris Agreement on climate change and outcomes of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26).

Cohosted by the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), East Asia Forum 2022 explored the next steps for achieving decarbonization in Asia and the Pacific, drawing upon lessons from East Asia.

On World Water Day, 22 March 2022, ADB hosted a webinar on “Digitalizing Water: The Visible and Invisible.” In line with the global day’s groundwater theme, the event focused on digital tools and how technology can help manage both groundwater and surface water.