Asia and the Pacific: A Booming Region
Asia and the Pacific is a fast-growing and dynamic region. It is home to some of the world’s densest and most rapidly growing cities. With some 4.3 billion people, it is expected to account for 75% of the world’s population by 2050. More than half of the global population lives in urban areas. This trend is expected to continue, with the urban population more than doubling its current size by 2050, at which point nearly 7 of 10 people will live in cities.
Asia and the Pacific's Challenges
However, almost 500 million people in the region still do not have access to basic water supplies. 1.14 billion lack access to basic sanitation. Water security remains a significant challenge, especially as water demand is projected to further increase due to growing demand from domestic and industrial sectors.
The region is also the most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, directly confronting rising temperatures, intensifying storms, and rising sea levels. Rapid urbanization, underdeveloped infrastructure, and vulnerable populations compound these challenges.
ADB’s Response
ADB recognizes that cities must be resilient, livable, sustainable, competitive, and inclusive to meet climate challenges. Its Urban Sector Directional Guide under Strategy 2030 provides the context, rationale, and guidance for the strategic direction in the urban sector; and how cities can address the complex urban challenges through integrated principles and innovative development solutions.
ADB’s response to the growing water crisis is stated in the Water Sector Directional Guide under Strategy 2030 which aims to build a resilient and water-secure Asia and Pacific. In addition to infrastructure investments and technical assistance, ADB seeks to enhance the awareness and capacities of sector practitioners through knowledge-sharing events such as the ADB Water and Urban Development Forum.
ADB Water and Urban Development Forum 2025
The ADB Water and Urban Development Forum 2025 (AWUF2025) is a flagship knowledge sharing event of the ADB taking place in-person from 26-30 May 2025 at the ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.
With the theme, Valuing water and enhancing livability in Asia and the Pacific, AWUF 2025 will convene communities of practice from across the Bank’s operations, along with DMC representatives and external experts for a week of interactive engagement on the critical drivers of water and urban development in the region.
This Forum is different. It will comprise master classes, peer to peer clinics, debates and fireside chats; with each session carefully curated to ensure maximum value to its specific audience.
A focus on the new. Asia and the Pacific is the most dynamic region in the world. Achieving resilience, improving livability and delivering just outcomes for all are the challenges of our time. AWUF 2025 will highlight the latest approaches and current progress from across the region towards meeting these objectives.
An immersive experience. Beyond the formal sessions, participants will engage with a unique exhibition, curated for the Forum by the University of Oxford, The Ramon Magsaysay Foundation, Ayala Foundation and ADB partners. A diverse programme of external site visits, social and cultural events is also being prepared.
The Forum will feature six topics under the water and urban development tracks:
❶ Improving services
Adopting a service delivery approach enhances performance and efficiency, meets critical needs, ensures appropriate governance, and strengthens partnerships with stakeholders.
❷ Developing capacity
Water and urban service providers must continue to develop capability to meet customer demands amidst a dynamic and uncertain landscape.
❸ Advancing innovation
Digital transformation, new technologies and innovative practices promise greater value for service providers, investors, and customers – the challenge is how to unlock it.
❹ Urban transformation
Urban and regional transformation requires innovative financing, engaging the private sector as a partner, delivering affordable and inclusive housing, and regenerating towns and cities.
❺ Promoting resilience
Resilience is a systemwide endeavor that entails infrastructure renewal and rehabilitation, embedding principles of circularity, and healthier spaces for residents and tourists.
❻ Mobilising investment
Collaboration can unlock new tools, modalities and applications that support increased investment to achieve improved development outcomes in Asia and the Pacific.
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