ADB's Governance Thematic Group

Governance is one of ADB’s eight thematic groups that aims to leverage technical expertise on governance- and public sector management-related issues. The Governance Group’s mandate is to help ADB’s developing member countries improve development results by investing in public sector reforms and supporting improved performance of institutions; supporting identification and mitigation of governance risks in ADB operations; and focusing on capacity development.

Localizing Global Agendas

This learning event explored current approaches by Asia Pacific countries and by development partners for global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris agreement. It provided a forum for exchange of experiences and lessons learnt in supporting subnational governments. Participants were given an opportunity to critically assess strategies and modalities of development partners for the strengthening of subnational governments in the region.



Indonesia: Incentives, Innovations and Replication – Local Governance Improvements for Better Services for All

Indonesia introduced a dramatic decentralization in 2001 – but local governments (LGs) often lacked sufficient capacity to deliver. The USAID-supported Indonesia Local Governance Service Improvement (Kinerja) program focused on incentives, empowering citizens to demand better services; on introducing performance standards and existing innovations; and on replication building on carefully collected evidence.

Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals: What Could This Mean for UNDP in Asia and the Pacific?

Local governance and decentralization reforms are often unfinished reforms and more a political agenda than reality for people. In localizing the sustainable development goals at the local level, UNDP advocates for moving horizontally and beyond the traditional actors in decentralization.

Development Policy Instruments to Support Decentralization and Local Governance Reforms

Policy-based loans (PBLs) are important instruments that address both legal and regulatory policy constraints to develop a more conducive environment. The benefits and challenges of employing PBLs in the Asian Development Banks’ governance work are explained in this presentation. Important lessons learned from the provision of governance PBLs are shared.

Framework for Using Natural Water System as a Basis for Optimum Urban Growth

Urbanization, while it leads to growth and development of cities, exerts stress on infrastructure as it utilizes more land and disrupts workings of the natural ecosystem. Ensuring optimum sustainable urban growth requires the use of interdisciplinary knowledge of water availability, usability, and governance and integration in planning practices.