Biofuels, while seen as a favorable solution to the economic recession, are not all drought- and saline-resistant, and can also be expensive. A promising and cost-effective biofuel source is sweet sorghum, though there is no significant bioethanol production that currently exists for the crop.

As China faces pressure in managing its energy supply and greenhouse gas emissions, it needs to completely transform its energy structure in the next few decades by turning to renewable energy use. Photovoltaics, in particular, will help China meet its energy transition target.

Energy demand is projected to increase annually through 2035. An alternative approach to meeting this challenge is the scaling up of low-carbon technology (LCT) and energy efficiency. IPEx, a technology market place and brokerage platform, is designed to facilitate the transfer and deployment of new LCTs in developing Asia.

Urban water supply and use have a large energy impact. Rising energy use and cost also pose signficant risks to the water sector. Better understanding and management of  the links between water and energy could help countries formulate a sustainable, whole-system approach that would ensure water and energy security and resiliency.

Advancing budget transparency requires collaborative efforts of various stakeholders. In Mongolia, there have been efforts to uphold transparency, including the participation of citizens in the monitoring of public funds. 

Indonesia has a wealth of experience in advocating for Freedom of Information, details of which are discussed in this presentation. 

The Open Government Partnership (OGP) has a set of mechanics and eligibility criteria that countries who wish to join should comply with. This presentation outlines the actions collectively taken by the members of the OGP. 

ICF International’s Emma Lewis introduces the green city development toolkit and its purpose. She discusses the “when” and “why” in using the toolkit. Asian Development Bank’s Urban Development experts Andrew Mcintyre and Jingmin Huang shares their thoughts on what makes a city “green,” and the important elements that create one.

ICF International’s Emma Lewis presents the three-step city assessment framework, and discusses existing tools and resources for green and sustainable urban development. The tool kit is a reference for Asian Development Bank staff, consultants, and city leaders that introduces key concepts of green city development, and identifies crosscutting issues that help in designing urban programs to support city development in a green and sustainable manner.

The Green City Development Toolkit outlines a three-step city assessment framework and provides a summary of existing tools and resources for sustainable development. Users will gain greater understanding of key issues that will assist in the preparation and design of green city development programs and projects in Asian cities.