While the Asia and the Pacific region has experienced rapid economic growth over the past three decades, enormous challenges remain. The region is home to a large share of the world’s poor and is facing rapid urbanization with about 22 megacities by 2030 and a population of 5.2 billion by 2050.

Consequently, water demand from domestic and industrial sectors is projected to increase by about 55%. The agriculture sector also will need to produce more food for the growing population, thus competing for diminishing water resources that is further affected by increasing climate variability and degradation of water quality. Recent estimates indicate up to 3.4 billion people could be living in water-stressed areas of Asia by 2050. The region is at the highest risk from water-related disasters, including floods and droughts.

ADB’s response to the water crisis is stated in the ADB Water Operational Plan 2011–2020. It specifies a range of solutions available to developing member countries to address water challenges in the region, including the need to embrace new technologies and innovations to improve the effectiveness of water investments. Technology can help address water insecurity, promote economic growth, advance progress towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthen adaptation to climate change, and increase disaster risk resilience.

In the newly launched Strategy 2030, ADB deepens its commitment to water, seeking to improve access to clean water and sanitation services and to ensure water security and sustainable use of water resources. This is embedded across the seven operational priorities of the strategy, with direct mentions on six priorities.