Addressing Challenges of Climate-Resilient Sustainable Urban Development in Tamil Nadu

The State of Tamil Nadu, while it ranks first in urbanization among large states in India, experiences severe droughts and urban floods. This presentation discusses the issues, challenges, and constraints facing urban water supply and sanitation (WSS). It also shares climate proofing guidelines to achieve sustainable urban WSS.

The Microfinance Risk Participation and Guarantee Program

Christine Engstrom, Bart Raemaekers, and Sabine Spohn of ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department shared the key features of the Microfinance Risk Participation and Guarantee Program. They also discussed how using credit enhancements and working with private commercial banks can improve access to finance for the bottom of the pyramid. Until September 2017, USD575 million of new loans have supported 3.32 million microborrowers, mostly women.

This event is part of ADB's in-house Insight Thursday lecture series.

21st Conference of the Parties: What are the Implications for Local Governments?

The Paris Agreement on Climate Change is a universal sustainable development mechanism that includes climate change mitigation commitments for all countries. It encourages action at the subnational level as it recognizes the key role that local governments play in tackling climate change. Localization of the Paris agreement goals provides an opportunity for local governments to act locally and impact globally.

What are the Implications for Local Governments and their Inclusive Service Delivery?

Governments around the world can pursue sustainable development more effectively by embracing a whole-of-government approach in their adaptation of the institutional framework for implementation of the global sustainable development goals (SDGs). A holistic, innovative, and inclusive approach combined with participatory governance is critical for effective implementation of the SDGs at the local level.

Communication and the Education of India’s Rural Kids

While India has significantly increased the enrollment rates in primary schools, pre-school education is not widely available in rural areas leaving a huge learning deficit among rural kids. The Hippocampus Learning Center (HLC) used art performances, village festivals, and other communication approaches to gain the trust of rural communities, and win over parents to invest in early education. HLC also built the confidence of young women to be effective educators effectively providing them with more options, and promoting positive female role models among children.

ICT-Enhanced Innovative Pedagogy in Technical and Vocational Education and Training

The level of ICT implementation on pedagogical practices vary across countries in the Asia and Pacific region. Hybrid personal learning environments, blended-learning methods, and century-blended learning models are some of the latest trends in technology-enhanced learning. Today’s teachers should invest on professional development to stay ahead in an ICT-based learning environment.