PR. 1 Railways for Decarbonized Transport
Tuesday, 14 May | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Railway and urban rail solutions have been a popular choice for many Asian cities to address the challenges of urbanization and its expansion. Railway solutions have a great potential for low-carbon, efficient, and reliable mode of transportation for people and goods. The opportunities of urban rail solutions include reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, promoting sustainable urban development as well as allow to rethink urban planning approach with the development of so-called Transit Oriented Development.
However, the development of rail solutions also faces several challenges. One of the main challenges is the high cost of construction and maintenance. Another challenge is the need for effective coordination between different modes of transportation. Despite these challenges, many Asian countries have successfully implemented rail solutions, created new lines and upgraded existing networks. During the last decade, the Asian Development Bank has supported several cities across Asia to develop mass rapid transit systems as well as commuting train systems between their metropolises and their board hinterlands.
This session, dedicated to railway development in the region, aims to showcase the implementation of eco-friendly and energy-efficient rail systems, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. During this session, we will present tangible examples and discuss technical innovations. Additionally, we will highlight the benefits that these advancements bring in the context of climate change challenges.
PR. 2 Climate-Resilient Transport
Tuesday, 14 May | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Transport networks are vital for the functioning of modern society and enabling economic growth, but transport infrastructure managers and operators face many challenges in ensuring a good level of service to their customers. Climate change adds more pressure to the already immense task of managing and maintaining a resilient transport network. With often limited funding, it is necessary to apply good infrastructure asset management principles to maximize returns from every dollar invested. This includes identifying the most critical parts of the network and adopting cost-effective asset management and investment strategies to enhance climate and disaster resilience. This session will discuss current and emerging approaches for enabling the resilience of transport networks to climate-related hazards.
PR. 3 Smart Mobilities and Emerging Mode
Tuesday, 14 May | 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
The rapid urbanization of Asian and Pacific cities has led to an increase in the demand for transportation. This has resulted in a rise in traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. To address these issues, there is a need to explore smart mobility solutions that are sustainable, efficient, and affordable. This session aims to bring together experts and practitioners to discuss urban mobility and emerging modes of transportation in Asian and Pacific cities.
The session will focus on the latest developments in smart mobility technologies serving the modernization of public transportation as well as innovative technical solutions. The session will also explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of these technologies in Asian and Pacific cities in the context of decarbonization of transport and scale up of e-mobility. Another focus of the session will be on sustainable urban mobility planning.
This session is organized in collaboration with the MobiliseYourCity Partnership.
PR. 4 Maritime Decarbonization
Tuesday, 14 May | 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
The maritime shipping industry is responsible for around 3 % of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. UNCTAD report* mentions that maritime trade is expected to grow 2.4% in 2023 and more than 2% between 2024 and 2028. As result of international discussion, the revised IMO GHG Strategy includes an enhanced common ambition to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by or around, i.e. close to 2050. Decarbonization Maritime is vital for sustainable development.
However, the shipping industry is now in transition period from a conventional fuel to alternative/zero GHG emission fuel. There are some alternative fuels developed or underdeveloped as zero GHG emission fuel such as hydrogen, ammonia, bio-methanol and electricity, which is based on a life cycle assessment. Given current development and difficulty of the transition, maritime sector including shipping and port has faced some challenges and chances.
Although being under uncertainty, suitable development approach is needed for maritime decarbonization, which means not only infrastructure but also institutions. The aim of this session is sharing current transition and prospect of alternative fuel and the possible development experience and knowledge for the pathway to maritime decarbonization with DMCs and other stakeholders.
PR. 5 Donor Roundtable Discussion
Wednesday, 15 May | 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
(limited capacity, to confirm your participation please reach out to "Bertrand Goalou" <bgoalou@adb.org>
Developing modern, sustainable urban transport systems that help combat the effects of climate change is a complex undertaking that requires the participation of a wide range of stakeholders. Cities and national institutions are key players in this effort, and development actors like the Asian Development Bank are working alongside them to achieve this goal.
The proposed roundtable seeks to foster a dialogue among representatives from Donors (Multilateral Development Banks and bilateral organizations) who provide technical and financial support to beneficiary countries and cities in Asia and the Pacific. During this roundtable, we will emphasize the current trends crucial for a successful transition to clean, efficient, and sustainable transportation for all. Our discussion will center around innovative approaches and new types of assistance suggested by donors.
Donors representatives will be invited to speak and provide insights on on-going initiatives, strategies, projects, as well as challenges and needs to improve donors’ assistance, particularly in emerging areas.
PR. 6 ADB as the Climate Bank
Wednesday, 15 May | 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Asia and the Pacific region is currently responsible for over 50% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The region is also highly vulnerable to extreme weather and related disasters, with annual losses estimated at $675 billion and disproportionate impacts on women, poor and vulnerable populations, people with disabilities, the elderly, and young people.1 To tackle climate change, ADB is playing a leading role with developing member countries and key partners to deploy new and innovative investment, knowledge, and strategies to meet this critical challenge. ADB is the first multilateral development bank (MDB) to set a clear climate investment target of providing $100 billion from its own resources for climate action by 2030. This session will discuss the accelerated climate actions that ADB is embarking on to achieve its ambitious targets as a climate bank. The session will also cover how ADB is bringing new ideas and significant solutions in tackling climate change by decarbonizing transport.
PR. 7Policy to Action – Inclusive Transport for All
Wednesday, 15 May | 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Transport is an enabler of development, but it can also hold people back and undermine its potentially pivotal role in inclusive and sustainable development. This is especially so for groups that are not well represented in transport decision making like women, people in low income groups and people with disability. In this session we take a critical look at two key determinants of success in gender and social inclusive transport; leading change and measuring impact.
Through two expert panel discussions the session will address the challenges and successes that advocates and projects encounter when moving from ideas to action. Opportunities for participants to raise issues and pose questions will be included.
We also link this session to the inclusive transport theme that runs through the entire week of the Transport Forum. Take a look at the Day 3 and Day 4 program for interactive sessions that will explore how to transform urban space for safe inclusivity, build feminist cities, design transport for people with disability, and to understand the complex roles that informal public transport plays in people’s livelihoods.
PR. 8 ADB Transport Sector Assistance Highlights
Wednesday, 15 May | 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
ADB’s support for transport aims to enable economic growth and equitable development by providing access and mobility solutions for both people and goods, ensuring efficient and effective transport systems that reduce travel times and the costs of transportation, and minimize negative social and environmental externalities. This session will outline the strategic direction for ADB’s future transport sector assistance and showcase highlights from selected innovative, and transformative projects.