Can Corruption be Tackled? Making the Case for Good Governance

In the recently released Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index for 2015, majority of the developing member countries (DMCs) of Asian Development Bank (ADB) ranked in the bottom half. Combined with weak governance and rising income inequality in the region that continues to be home to half of the world's poor, it serves as a serious threat to the economic growth that Asia and the Pacific has built towards and been experiencing in recent years, and weakens ADB's capacity to effectively achieve its mission of improving the quality of life of people in its DMCs.

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.

Solid Waste Management in Nepal: Current Status and Policy Recommendations

A solid waste management (SWM) baseline survey was undertaken in 2012 to (i) derive systematic and comprehensive data and information on SWM in Nepal; (ii) compare Nepal’s SWM status with other countries; and (iii) identify challenges and policy recommendations. Results of the survey, which the presentation shares, were subsequently published.

Outcome-Based Financing System in Technical and Vocational Education and Training: An Experience from Nepal

This presentation introduces the Employment Fund in Nepal, a program that provides vocational skills or business skills training to the youth and ensure their gainful employment. It explains the difference between activity-based financing and outcome-based financing. The pre-requisites and challenges in managing an employment fund are discussed.

Ram Kumar Shrestha

Ram is the Project Director for the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation (Sector) Project with the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management under the Ministry of Water Supply in Nepal. The country is currently undertaking a significant program to upgrade and expand its water and sanitation services. For example, in 2016, only 34% of urban households have septic tanks and only 15% have sewer connections. Overall, municipalities lack funds and skilled personnel to provide cost-effective services.