The Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), and University of Tokyo will hold the 2nd Asian Economic Development Conference on 15–16 July 2023 in Tokyo. The objective of the conference is to promote high-quality, frontline research on major economic development issues relevant to developing Asia and the Pacific and to foster knowledge sharing among social scientists, development practitioners, and policy makers.

Asia has greatly benefited from globalization, with the rapid expansion in global trade transforming the region into a major world economic hub. Yet, challenges remain, such as heightened job and income insecurity, exacerbated inequality, widening digital divides, and worsening environmental conditions. Ongoing uncertainty related to the pandemic and the transition to net-zero carbon emission are issues that must be addressed globally.  To enable a sound and sustainable recovery, Asia needs effective policies to reinvigorate trade, encourage innovation, enable greater international migration and investment, foster international economic and financial integration, promote financial stability, strengthen inclusiveness and social and economic resilience, as well as achieve climate goals.

The theme of the conference, “Asia’s Recovery and the Future of Globalization,” will feature cutting-edge research that explores how Asia and the Pacific can accelerate recovery in a sustainable way, while continuing to contribute to and benefit from globalization by effectively tackling these key challenges. Keynote speakers include John Gibson (Professor, University of Waikato), Shujiro Urata (Chairman, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Professor Emeritus, Waseda University), and Aya Suzuki (Professor, University of Tokyo).