Lant Pritchett

Mr. Pritchett is a development economist from Idaho. He graduated from BYU in 1983 and from MIT with a PhD in Economics in 1988. He worked with the World Bank from 1988 to 2007. He taught at the Harvard Kennedy School from 2000 to 2018 (with some leaves) and is now affiliated with Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government. He has over a hundred publications: journal articles, working papers, book chapters, and books, authored with over fifty different co-authors on topics in development from basic education to economic growth to state capability to labor mobility (and more).

Zoe Tate

International development professional with an entrepreneurial spirit and 10 years working experience in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Focus on youth, innovation, financial inclusion and blended finance.

Researched global best practices in educational policy reform and maker-based education and developed proposal for demonstration project and recommendations for PPP-based financing. Designed strategic communication material for ABD Youth for Asia team.

Maker-Based Education

Zoe Tate, co-founder of Me.reka Makerspace, shared her experiences on delivering innovative maker-based education in Malaysian schools and communities. She presented her research on how ADB can support maker-based initiatives in developing member countries--from project design and operationalization to funding modalities.

Sudarshana Anojan

Sudarshana Anojan is the Social Development and Gender Specialist in ADB’s Sri Lanka Country Office. He carries over 13 years of experience in the international development field; working with diverse non-government, bilateral and multilateral agencies. His area of expertise includes community development, monitoring and evaluation, gender equality and social inclusion, and education.

Mahabir Pun

Dr. Mahabir Pun is a well-known social entrepreneur. He has been involved for 27 years in rural community development projects covering many fields such as education, health, nature conservation, income generation, and tourism. He is widely known for introducing broadband Internet using WiFi technology and computer education in the remote Himalayan region. He has received many international awards including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership.