Asian Impact is a webinar series that showcases ADB’s research work and informs debate on critical policy issues in Asia. ADB experts, noted academics, frontline policymakers, and others will provide their insights through engaging panel discussions and stimulating research seminars. Join us for an evidence-based exploration of Asia’s continuing economic transformation and the risks that the region faces.

08:00-08:45 Stockholm | 14:00-14:45 Manila | 16:00-16:45 Sydney

The Third Finance Forum envisioned the future of inclusive finance by discussing how new technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain, the rapid expansion of mobile payments and digital banking, are helping to bring financial services to unbanked communities. Under its overarching theme, “The Future of Inclusive Finance”, featured sessions on:

In developing countries of Asia and the Pacific, cities have very different levels of development and often lack core infrastructure and systems for efficient mobility or lack access, connectivity and inclusivity. The perspectives of right solutions vary between countries, but there still is a heavy bias towards simpler “engineered” solutions being developed.

World Water Week (WWW) is the annual forum focused on transforming global water challenges. Organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) since 1991, it gathers over 3,300 people from more than 130 countries, representing influential, innovative, and dynamic organizations, leaders, and professionals working on policy, research, and other concrete solutions to water, environmental, and development challenges. The theme for each World Water Week often builds on the UN’s World Water Day theme.

Global infrastructure investment is accelerating dramatically. For transport infrastructure alone, 25 million kilometers of roads will be added by 2050 – with 90% in developing countries – including many regions that sustain exceptional biodiversity. The Sustainable Development Goals call for sustainable infrastructure and recognizes that the conservation of biodiversity and critical ecosystem services underpins all of the SDGs. Key questions - How can we ensure that the investments are sustainable? What guidance and innovations can support infrastructure planning and design?

Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is seen as an important development policy and planning tool, as it aids decision-makers and other stakeholders in ensuring that development benefits are evenly shared across affected communities and that negative impacts do not disproportionately fall on the most vulnerable. This session, organized by ADB during the 39th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment, conveyed the business case for undertaking Health Impact Assessment.