May 29, Thursday
| 09:00-10:00
AM | |
| Beyond Financing: Strategic Partnership as the Cornerstone of National Development Plenary Auditorium 2-3 | Partnerships that go ‘beyond financing’ propel ADB’s Developing Member Countries (DMCs) forward. In this plenary, key DMC officials share experiences of working with ADB to ensure national policy objectives are aligned with investment needs, and discuss their aspirations regarding how these partnerships may be further strengthened in the future. Through knowledge exchange, leaders will share success stories, highlight challenges in aligning policy objectives with investment needs, and discuss innovative approaches for fostering long-term, impactful partnerships. The objectives of this session are to: 1. Showcase how strategic partnerships, beyond financial loans, grants and technical assistance, drive national development. 2. Facilitate knowledge exchange among ADB DMCs and explore strategies to strengthen collaboration. 3. Highlight success stories and key challenges in aligning policy objectives with investment needs. Proposed speakers and panelists Speakers: Moderator: Neeta Pokhrel, Director, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Water and Urban Development Sector Office, Sector Department 2, ADB Opening Remarks: Scott Morris, Vice President, East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, ADB Panelists:
Closing Reflections: Pavit Ramachandran, Deputy Director General, Southeast Asia Department concurrently Country Director, Philippines Country Office, ADB |
| 10:30 AM-12:00 PM | |
| Ushering a New Era of Water Utility Innovation: Utility Leaders Roundtable Deep Dive Auditorium 2-3 | This 90-minute roundtable will bring together senior leaders from water utilities, the private sector, and ADB to share how they are applying innovation to tackle key challenges and seize emerging opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Moderated by Dr. Piers Clark, Founder and Director of Isle Group, the open dialogue—held under Chatham House Rule—will invite participants to offer brief, focused insights through stories and examples. Discussions will center around three key themes: (i) technological innovation (e.g., digital water, AI, IoT); (ii) pressing challenges (e.g., climate variability, tariff reform, efficiency); and (iii) leveraging opportunities (e.g., private sector engagement, circular economy, green growth). The session aims to build a deeper understanding of how to strengthen utility capacity for resilient, sustainable growth through collaboration and innovation. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. Key examples of what to do, and what not to do, when implementing a successful innovation strategy 2. How innovation can address some of the leading challenges facing modern utilities 3. Opportunities for increasing commercial revenues from innovation (through, for example, leverage-breaks) Speakers: Opening Remarks: Bhargav Dasgupta, Vice President, Market Solutions, ADBModerator: Piers Clark, Founder and Director of Isle Group Moderator: Piers Clark, Founder and Director of Isle Group Panelists:
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| Integrated Green Development and Nature-Based Solutions for Resilience Project Lab Auditorium 1 | Achieving climate resilience, biodiversity and ecosystem protection, and green development outcomes requires holistic and integrated approaches tailored to the specific needs and contexts of local cities and regions. Increasingly, urbanization and environmental protection priorities demand that project interventions address dual objectives of achieving enhanced ecosystem services (i.e. biodiversity protection, flood risk management provided by natural capital assets, such as the protection of environmentally sensitive areas e.g. wetlands and biodiversity habitat) and economic benefits to urban residents and local communities (i.e. flood risk mitigation, livability benefit from local public green spaces for residents and tourism and increased land value from reduced flooding and the green parks). River catchment-wide functioning blue-green infrastructure networks extending from natural, rural into urban areas generate especially many ecosystem services. Such systems ideally are planned upstream in an integrated manner across sectors and across local government boundaries, including risk-informed planning. This will contribute to sustainable development in rapidly urbanizing DMCs. Recognition of such tangible economic benefits will help to ensure the sustainability of funding to protect and maintain important natural capital assets. There are several examples of projects which have addressed similar co-benefits to urban areas from investments in natural capital. The session will provide an overview of selected project case studies to highlight and explore new areas for AFNR and WUD teams to work together. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. Integrated landscape approach to river basin management 2. Urban and coastal linkages for achieving climate resilient ecosystem and biodiversity protection 3. Application of nature-based solutions for integrated green development Speakers:
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| Power in Waste, Power in Women: Cities that Thrive Fireside Chat Auditorium 4 | In a world racing to meet its climate goals, cities sit at the frontlines of both risk and opportunity. Yet in many urban centers, outdated waste systems continue to leak methane, pollute neighborhoods, and strain already vulnerable communities. At the same time, women—often hardest hit by climate impacts—remain underrepresented in designing solutions. What if we could flip that equation? This session presents two future-forward initiatives under the Urban Resilience Trust Fund (URTF)—supported by the UK Government—that aims to transform how we think about waste and who leads transformative changes. The Resilient Urban Methane Initiative (RUMI) aims to be a game-changing effort to help cities turn climate liability into climate action. It will support ADB developing member countries (DMCs) to retire or upgrade environmentally harmful waste and wastewater facilities and replace them with climate-smart infrastructure that drastically reduces methane emissions. More than just a tech fix, RUMI will unlock financing, build institutional capacity, and provide policy and project support to reimagine waste as a catalyst for cleaner, safer, and more resilient urban futures. Running parallel is ASPIRE or Asia-Pacific Scholarships Promoting Innovation and Resilience in Environmental Leadership, is about backing women as leaders in climate resilience. Through graduate scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development, ASPIRE will help women grow their skills, boost their careers, and take the lead in shaping greener, more inclusive and resilient cities—from local governments, planning institutions to NGOs and utilities. This session will spotlight RUMI and ASPIRE through a high-energy mix of lightning talks, candid dialogue, and real-world stories. It will explore opportunities for co-financing, collaboration, and replication—because scaling these game changers will require new alliances and investment. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. An understanding of how RUMI and ASPIRE tackle methane emissions and gender inequality as levers for resilience. 2. Best practices, emerging technologies, and financing models for implementing climate-safe waste management practices and gender-inclusive urban resilience strategies. 3. Opportunities for collaboration with ADB and other development financing partners to expand these programs across cities in the region. Speakers:
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| Rubbish to Riches: Building Willingness-To-Pay and Sustainable Behaviors for Solid Waste Management Project Lab Multifunction Hall 2 | The low-service, low-revenue trap is a classic chicken-and-egg problem. Turning this “vicious” circle into a “virtuous” one is the key to unlocking the services which most ADB urban development projects seek to deliver, and successfully turning that key requires time, money, work and a bit of luck. In this session, we will explain how ADB has successfully supported revenue raising for solid waste management which has doubled (or more than doubled) revenues available to fund the service, contributing to cleaner cities, rivers, oceans and air. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. How to deploy digital tools for solid waste service monitoring 2. Breaking the low-revenue-low-service trap 3. Tools for communication and engagement Speakers:
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| Rethinking Water: Performance-Driven Water Service Delivery Project Lab Multifunction Hall 3 | This high-impact session will deliberate need for transformative shift from infrastructure creation to performance-driven water service delivery, focusing on aligning policies, investments, and innovations to deliver reliable and efficient water services. Key Performance Indicators—such as reliability, quality, leakage control, consumption efficiency, NRW reduction, and customer satisfaction—will be emphasized as the foundation of accountability across the water supply value chain. The panel will delve into rethinking system design, digital/AI integration, contracting, and operations, while also reimagining processes, policy, and governance to create an inclusive, resilient, and assured water ecosystem. Through interactive discussions, presentations, and Q&A, the session will offer actionable strategies for smarter, safer, and sustainable water systems driven by strong governance and efficiency. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. Understanding on aligning best practices in water supply value chain with performance driven service delivery. 2. Identifying innovations in hydraulic and hydraulic system 3. About adoption of emerging tools- IoT-based sensors, AI, analytics 4. Procurement and contracting modalities encouraging performance centric infra. 5. Importance of unified strategy for data-driven decision making 6. Significance of moving towards performance driven service delivery model Speakers:
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| The Great Water Debate: Water Wars or Water Wins? Debate Innovation Hub | Dive into the heart of the water crisis with our dynamic session, tackling the urgent challenges faced by rural and urban areas. We'll explore the tangled web of aging infrastructure, climate change, clean water access, rising costs, and governance. Discover cutting-edge solutions and the pivotal roles that youth can play in driving change. Join us as we debate the complexities of water management and uncover pathways to ensure safe and sustainable water for all. We'll emphasize the human right to water, crucial for promoting social equity. This session will spotlight the accountability of policymakers, local communities, and private entities in managing water resources effectively. Innovative solutions and the proactive roles that youth can play in addressing these challenges will be highlighted. Expect a lively discussion on the potential consequences of inaction, from public health crises to environmental disasters. By examining both opportunities and risks, we'll foster a comprehensive understanding of the urgent need for integrated and innovative water management strategies. Your voice matters in this critical conversation! By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. Enhanced awareness of the sources and impacts of water challenges in rural and urban areas and increased recognition of the human right to water and sanitation as a critical component of water security. 2. Identification of innovative strategies for improving water management through youth-led initiatives and technological solutions. 3. Strengthened collaboration between young professionals and senior experts in the water sector. Speakers:
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| 01:30-3:00 PM | |
| Charting the Course to Water Security: The AWDO Masterclass Series (day 2) Masterclass (1:30-5:00 PM) Auditorium 1 | The Asian Water Development Outlook (AWDO) 2025 Masterclass Series will provide anexclusive preview of early findings from Asia and the Pacific’s flagship water securityassessment. Spanning two days, this interactive session brings together governmentofficials, technical experts, and development partners to explore key water securitychallenges and solutions across five dimensions: rural, economic, urban, environmental,and resilience to water-related disasters. Participants will engage with new data and methodologies, reflect on country-specific assessments, and contribute to consultations that will shape the final stages of AWDO 2025. Through breakout discussions, expert panels, and real-time feedback tools, the session aims to foster practical recommendations and collaboration. This is a unique opportunity for countries and stakeholders to co-create pathways toward achieving water security for all in the region. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. How to understand AWDO’s five Key Dimensions of water security and how countries are assessed 2. How to identify turning points (policy, governance, and financing levers) to improve national water security 3. How to explore regional innovations and collaborative pathways for strengthening resilience Speakers:
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| Municipal Finance Mastery: Unlocking the Future of Urban Development Masterclass (1:30-5:00 PM) Multifunction Hall 3 | A session to help navigate the various options available to municipalities and subnational governments for financing infrastructure and other development projects and how to sequence these options over the course of their development path. Knowledge sharing by experts on experiences of subnational financing of infrastructure and other development projects in mature and developing markets. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. Financing & Funding mechanisms for Sub-national municipal entities 2. Tapping private & commercial finance for municipalities - Why? How? 3. Good practices; Creating implementation pathways for scaling up municipal finance sustainably Speakers:
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| The Water-Energy Nexus: Decarbonizing the water sector in the Pacific Fireside Chat Auditorium 4 | The Pacific Islands face a unique set of challenges when it comes to sustainable development, particularly in the sectors of water and energy. The integration of water and energy systems—commonly referred to as the water-energy nexus—presents a critical opportunity to address these challenges and accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon, resilient future. In this context, utilities play a pivotal role in harnessing the synergies between water and energy to enhance resource efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen water and energy security via diversification, reducing vulnerability to external shocks. This session will explore the water-energy nexus and its potential to decarbonize the water sector in the Pacific. Pacific Island countries rely heavily on imported fossil fuels, often exceeding 80% of their total energy supply. This dependence presents significant economic and environmental challenges. High fuel costs and vulnerability to oil price fluctuations make transitioning to renewable energy crucial. All Pacific Island countries have Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets, with some aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2030. Water utilities are among the largest energy consumers in many regions, water pumping, treatment, and distribution requires significant energy. This dependence not only contributes to carbon emissions but also exposes water services to the volatility of energy markets. By adopting clean energy solutions, such as solar and wind power, water utilities can decarbonize their operations, reduce operational costs, and improve the reliability of water services. In Solomon Islands and FSM, this cross-sectoral partnership is being explored through various initiatives that will test a water-energy nexus solution to the sectoral challenges. A strategic partnership between the water and energy sectors can yield significant benefits for both. Integrating renewable energy solutions into water utilities can enhance sustainability and resilience, promoting environmental stewardship, strengthening energy security, and ensuring reliable water supply. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. About 2 case studies and lessons learned from government representatives and utilities that have harnessed the water-energy nexus in their operations already. 2. Gained insights into approaches, solutions and pilots for integrating renewable energy solutions into water utilities. 3. About actionable pathways for cross-sector partnerships in the water and energy space that are working or could be explored further in the Pacific region. Speakers:
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| Catalyzing Creative Redevelopment of Cities Fireside Chat Auditorium 2-3 | In recent years, cities in Asia have undergone transformations to address growing expansion and needs of increasing population. Some cities have grown horizontally without any urban planning while others have taken measures to address urban form and density in a more systematic way through planned urbanization. Barcelona has led urban transformation and regeneration with its @22Barcelona Plan and superblocks. Other countries like Japan have taken an institutional approach through the Urban Renaissance Agency to bring about urban transformation and testing innovative schemes. In India, the Government of India has taken a proactive approach by requesting the ADB and the World Bank Group to rethink the future trajectory of cities in India. The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) and the Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) joined hands with ADB-WB to develop a knowledge framework for Creative Redevelopment of Cities and Cities as Growth Hubs. The Session will share the key lessons from Barcelona, Japan and India along with ADB on the building blocks, enablers and strategies for transformation of cities for inclusive and green growth. Creative Redevelopment covers urban planning, inclusive housing, tourism, transport, economic growth and other cross-cutting sectors. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. What is creative redevelopment of cities? Innovative ideas on urban transformation of cities 2. Building blocks for undertaking creative redevelopment of cities 3. Enablers for urban transformations and lessons learned – thought leadership on city management and institutional structures. Speakers:
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| Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Small Islands and Fragile Contexts Project Lab Multifunction Hall 2 | This session will discuss challenges and opportunities for sustainable solid waste management (SWM) and circular economy in small islands and fragile contexts. These areas face specific issues, such as high imports, scattered waste generation, limited space for processing and disposal, low capacity and skills, lack of economies of scale, and vulnerable environments, which make SWM particularly difficult. Regional SWM solutions will be analyzed as possible way forward to address these challenges. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. Key challenges for solid waste management (SWM) in SIDS 2. Key opportunities for sustainable SWM in SIDS 3. Perspective on collective and regional approaches to SWM Speakers:
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| 750 Million Youth on the Front Line: Pitching Digital Innovations for a Livable Future Shark Tank Innovation Hub | This session will leverage the potential of digital technologies to reimagine resilient urban spaces, showcasing youth-led digital innovations. Young people have high levels of digital fluency and are now to act as technical innovators in the climate resilience space, with the ability to bridge science and action to generate new solutions. Digital technology solutions in urban areas include scenario planning, risk mapping, resilience benchmarking, early warning systems, awareness raising and civic engagement platforms, all of which can be used to improve urban services, facilitate participatory and evidence-based urban planning, and develop crisis management systems. This session will see three young people propose digital solutions for how technological innovations can build urban resilience in the context of the climate crisis, presenting a variety of potential pipeline investments to ADB staff, private sector and DMC attendees. A panel of ADB judges will offer rapid fire reactions on the project’s strategic value, feasibility, potential impact and investability. Judges can invest in projects they find promising in three ways: time, connections, or visibility. The session will spotlight the value of meaningful youth engagement in generating solutions, and illustrate the nexus of inclusion, digital and more effective urban development. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. Practical tips on how to tailor their urban development projects and ideas to increase the likelihood of investment, impact and scale 2. How participatory civic technology and digital mapping strengthens local-level resilience 3. How digital solutions can boost private sector development and investment opportunities in developing member countries Speakers:
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| 3:30-5:00 PM | |
| Continuation of masterclass sessions (1:30-5:00PM) | |
| Bridging Boundaries, Driving Resilience: Rethinking Climate Action Planning for Cities Project Lab Auditorium 4 | A City Climate Action Plan (C-CAP) is a tool that helps a city to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change and disasters, which are becoming increasingly complex and intense. A C-CAP is an integral part of a city’s urbanization strategy and sustainable development pathway. It is grounded in robust data—both local and international—and shaped by input from diverse stakeholders. This session will explore how cities and government stakeholders can rethink and strengthen their climate action planning to respond more effectively to today’s challenges and seize emerging opportunities. These include leveraging climate data (e.g., GHG emissions and climate projections), GIS, and digital technologies; and making C-CAPs more evidence-based, implementation- and financing-ready, and aligned with spatial planning as well as national and global climate commitments. Jointly organized by the Climate Change, Resilience, and Environment Cluster (CCRE) and the Water and Urban Development (WUD) Sector Office of ADB, the session will feature insights and experiences from DMC participants, development partners, and ADB staff. It is supported by ADB’s Technical Assistance projects, the Republic of Korea e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund, and the Urban Resilience Trust Fund under the Urban Financing Partnership Facility. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. A deeper understanding of the enabling factors, implementation challenges, and the critical role of City Climate Action Plans (C-CAP) in localizing national climate commitments. 2. Knowledge of innovative technologies and approaches, and how these can be effectively integrated into future-ready climate plans. 3. Insights into the key elements that make city climate plans implementable, actionable, and attractive for investment. Speakers:
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| Feeding the Future: Integrating Agrifood Transformation and Water Sustainability Fireside Chat Multifunction Hall 2 | In the face of ever-increasing demand for food and water, the need to transform agrifood systems in harmony with sustainable water management has never been more urgent. This session will explore the critical nexus between agrifood transformation and water sustainability, emphasizing integrated approaches that can deliver resilient, efficient, and inclusive outcomes for both sectors. Drawing on policy insights, innovative practices, and regional case studies, the session will bring together experts, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss actionable strategies for optimizing water use across the food value chain, promoting climate-smart agriculture and natural capital investment to ensure food and water security. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. The need for an integrated, cross-sectoral approach to achieving long-term food and water security 2. To explore innovative solutions and best practices for transforming agrifood systems while conserving water 3. To identify opportunities for cross-sectoral and regional collaboration to build sustainable agrifood systems and water resources Speakers:
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| Connecting People and Place: Managing Tourism Demand through Digital Innovation Fireside Chat Auditorium 2-3 | Digital technologies are revolutionizing how cities interact with and manage tourists, fostering deeper connections between people and place. This fireside chat will explore how urban and tourism managers can leverage digital tools to enhance visitor experiences and efficiently mobilize resources to address tourism-related challenges. Join our discussion to uncover strategies for smartly managing surging tourism demand to underpin inclusive and resilient urban development across Asia and the Pacific. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. How digital technologies can be used to make tourism experiences positively engaging for residents and visitors, protect heritage resources, and create inclusive economic opportunities for residents. 2. How digital technologies can be used to efficiently collect and allocate tourism taxes and fees to better manage challenges like congestion and increased solid waste and wastewater generation caused by tourism growth. Speakers:
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| Mainstreaming Circular Economy and Digitization of Solid Waste Management Shark Tank Innovation Hub | This session will provide a detailed review of the current landscape of circular economy (CE) policies in the Asia-Pacific region and the maturity of all the policies. The discussion will focus on the challenges and lessons learned in design and implementation of policies intended to support CE activities. Financing mechanisms to support solid waste management (SWM) and CE initiatives will be discussed (i.e., extended producer responsibility (EPR), green procurement policies, sustainability-linked bonds, taxes, plastic credits, etc.). Case studies from various countries in the Asia-Pacific region will be presented, i.e. PRC and PHI. By the end of the session, participants will have learned… 1. Highlight the enabling factors and/or barriers for use of AI/digitalization in SWM 2. At different value chain (collection, recycling, disposal), what’s role of AI may help to improve the SWM at community, government, and operator’s aspects 3. How to make the AI/digital design more inclusive for all different stakeholders? Speakers:
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