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 FOCUS SESSION  

Donor Roundtable
21 May 2026, Thursday
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Auditorium Hall 1

Without coordinated donor strategies, competing initiatives fragment resources and dilute impact. How will donors align to drive sustainable transport at scale?

This roundtable will foster dialogue among representatives from multilateral development banks (MDBs), international financing institutions (IFIs), bilateral organizations, and other development partners who provide technical and financial support to developing member countries in the region. The session will emphasize current trends crucial for a successful transition to clean, accessible, efficient, and sustainable transportation for all, ensuring that priorities result in action on the ground. Discussion will center on innovative approaches and new types of assistance suggested by donors, with emphasis on understanding how financing solutions and arrangements can concretely support developing member countries in transitioning to sustainable transport systems. Donor representatives will share insights on ongoing initiatives, strategies, and projects, as well as challenges, and needs to improve donor assistance.

By the end of the session, participants will:

  1. Discover current trends and innovative approaches from major donors.
  2. Assess challenges and opportunities in donor coordination.
  3. Explore emerging assistance mechanisms for sustainable transport.

Moderator:
Jamie Leather, Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Speakers: 
Andres Pizarro, Asian Infrastructure Investment (AIIB)
Katrin Luger, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
Carly Gilbert-Patrick, Partnership on Sustainable Low Carbon Transport (SLOCAT)
René Freytag, GIZ Philippines
Jacob Sorensen, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Benedict Eijbergen, World Bank
Cleo Kawawaki, Asian Development Bank
Astra Bonini, UNDESA
Mark Howells, CCG
Max Jensen, EIB
Ishita Sachdeva, IDRC