• October-December 2007
• July-September 2007

• April-June 2007
• January-March 2007

Tsunami Three Years On: Lives and Communities Being Rebuilt
The 26 December 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean was one of the worst disasters in recent memory. ADB responded to the crisis by launching the largest grant program in its history. Visit the Tsunami Response website.

Read the new ADB Institute studies on the recovery efforts in Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka

Emerging East Asia to Maintain Strong Growth, Downside Risks Rise
Economic growth in emerging East Asia will ease to 8.0% in 2008 from 8.5% in 2007 as expansion in key industrialized nations moderates amid volatility in financial markets and rising oil prices, says a new ADB report. Read the news release.

	Download the December 2007 issue of Asia Economic Monitor
	Visit the Asia Regional Integration Center website

Wide Disparities in Living Standards in Asia and the Pacific
Brunei Darussalam; Singapore; and Hong Kong, China rank among the top five economies in developing Asia and the Pacific in terms of real per capita income, says a new study undertaken on purchasing power parities in the region. Read the news release.

	Download Purchasing Power Parities and Real Expenditures
	Visit our Economics and Statistics web site

Developing Asian Countries Must Rethink Water Management To Avoid Crisis
To avoid a crisis in water security, developing countries in Asia will have to rethink how they manage their vital water resources, according to a new report produced for ADB. Download the Asian Water Development Outlook 2007.

	Visit the event site
	Read the news release

Emerging East Asian Bond Markets: Resilient, But Risks Loom
Strong economic growth and improved financial systems along with limited exposure to US subprime mortgages have helped curb spillover effects of global credit woes on emerging East Asian economies, but risks loom, says a new ADB report. Download Asia Bond Monitor (November 2007).

	Read the news release
	Visit the Asian Bonds Online website

Moving Toward Knowledge-Based Economies: Asian Experiences
Developing countries that fail to transform effectively into knowledge-based economies will fall further behind more advanced countries. A new publication discusses the ingredients of a knowledge-based economy and how Asian governments plan to be more knowledge-based. Download the publication.

Visit ADB's Knowledge Management website

Empowering the Poor and Marginalized
Social development promotes policies and institutions in support of greater inclusiveness and equity, greater empowerment of poor and marginalized groups, and greater security to cope with risks. Visit the new Social Development portal.

	Learn more about the Social Analysis Tools
	Download the new Handbook on Social Analysis

Oceanic Voyages: Aviation and Shipping in the Pacific Region
A new report examines the trends influencing transport development in the Pacific and recommends policies and strategies available to Pacific island governments to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a sector that is the lifeblood of their economies. Download the report.

Visit ADB's Pacific website

Central Asia Set to Take Major Step Forward in Regional Cooperation
The 6th Ministerial Conference of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation program in Tajikistan brings together ministers and senior officials from the eight member countries and their development partners. They will discuss ways to deepen interaction and integrate more effectively with world markets. Read the news release.

Visit our CAREC website

Working Towards Effective Water Resources Management
Southeast Asia faces many water issues - including lack of supply, excess untreated wastewater, and proliferation of water-borne diseases - that have to be managed at various levels. ADB is taking part in the 3rd Southeast Asia Water Forum to promote action on such challenges. Learn more about the event.

Visit our Water for All website

Updating ADB's Safeguard Policies
ADB has embarked on a safeguard policy update to enhance the effectiveness of its safeguard policies. As part of this process, the Consultation Draft of the Safeguard Policy Statement is now posted online for public comment, before a series of planned workshops. Read the news release.

	Learn more about the update
	Visit our Safeguards website

Taking Stock of Progress on Poverty Reduction and MDGs
ADB is hosting a two-day forum of influential policymakers and experts to exchange good practices from poverty reduction in Asia and the Pacific, discuss prospects for a poverty-free region by 2020, and launch an update on the MDGs. Learn more about the event and read the 2007 MDGs report.

News release | Photo Essay | Video Interview and podcast

Afghanistan 'Ring Road's' Missing Link To Be Constructed
Work will soon start on building the last remaining section of Afghanistan's "Ring Road" highway, which loops the country and connects its cities, after ADB approved a new $176 million grant. Completion of the road network is essential for the country's desperately needed economic growth. Read the news release.

Map | Slideshow | Video

Strengthening the Anti-Money Laundering Regime in the Philippines
Heads and senior staff from key organizations involved in implementation of anti-money laundering (AML) met at ADB to present action plans aimed at strengthening their institutions in carrying out AML-related responsibilities. Learn more about the event.

Visit our Anti-money Laundering website

Help Pledged for Poor Economies to Reap Benefits from Global Trade
Top global and regional financial officials at a conference in Manila pledged to help small and weak states in Asia and the Pacific build and strengthen capacity to benefit from trade. Read more about the Mobilizing Aid for Trade conference.

	Speech | Video | Podcast | Photos
	Aid for Trade: How ADB Can Help

ADB Upgrades Developing Asia's 2007 Growth Forecast
Developing Asia looks set for growth of 8.3% in 2007, according to the new Asian Development Outlook 2007 Update. However, prospects for next year are more hazy given uncertainties in the global financial markets and US economy. Read the ADO 2007 Update.

	News release | Video | Podcast
	Visit our Economics and Statistics website

Policy Reform in Road Transport in the People's Republic of China
A new ADB publication presents a road transport policy reform action plan, indicating the current situation, proposed actions, performance indicators, implementation schedule, and the responsible agencies governing road passenger and freight transport in the People's Republic of China. Read the report.

	Download the publication |
	Visit the PRC website

Assessing Progress and Strengthening Networks for Anti-Corruption
The ADB/OECD Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific steering group is meeting this week in Indonesia to discuss an action plan for Asia-Pacific, and progress made in reform projects. The meeting will be followed by a regional seminar to identify ways to overcome obstacles and strengthen cooperation and networks. Learn more about the events.

Visit our Governance website

Mobilizing Aid for Trade: Focus on Asia and the Pacific
ADB and the World Trade Organization, in partnership with the Philippine Government, will host a two-day conference "Mobilizing Aid for Trade: Focus Asia and the Pacific" on 19-20 September. Learn more.

Visit the event site

Integrating HIV and AIDS Prevention in Asian Infrastructure Projects
With Asia's economies booming in all areas, including infrastructure, it is essential to integrate HIV and AIDS preventive measures into infrastructure projects and continue to focus on prevention. Read the news release.

	Statement by ADB Vice-President Ursula Schaefer-Preuss
	Read "Cultures and Contexts Matter, Understanding and Preventing HIV in the Pacific"

Asia's Poor Lagging Behind in Development — Key Indicators 2007
The rich are growing richer faster than the poor in developing Asia, and widening disparities in standards of living can threaten the growth process in one of the most dynamic regions of the world, says a new ADB report. Learn more.

	Inequality in Asia (Key Indicators 2007 Special Chapter Highlights) |
	View the presentation |

Defining Agriculture's Role in Inclusive Growth
A high-level policy forum convened key policymakers, development partners, and researchers from all over Asia to dialogue on the role of agriculture and rural development in alleviating poverty and hunger.

	Visit our Nutrition and Millennium Development Goals websites
Multimedia
	Opening Remarks by ADB Vice-President C. Lawrence Greenwood, Jr. Audio | Video
	Opening Remarks by Ross Garnaut, Chair of the IFPRI Board of Trustees Audio | Video

Harnessing Statistics for Poverty Reduction
The International Comparison Program for Asia and the Pacific aims to meet the urgent need for high quality internationally comparable statistics that will feed into the MDGs. Heads of its implementing agencies met at ADB HQ to discuss preliminary outputs for 23 economies, lessons learned, and future directions.

	Download the Purchasing Power Parity Preliminary Report
	Read the news release

Challenges Ahead as East Asia's Expansion Continues
Robust growth is projected this year and next for emerging East Asia, according to the latest issue of Asia Economic Monitor. But surging capital inflows leave authorities facing a new set of economic challenges to keep the region's expansion on a steady course.

	Read the news release
	Visit the Asia Regional Integration Center

Determining ADB's Future and Vision to 2020
ADB has begun a review of its Long-Term Strategic Framework (LTSF) to be finalized in early 2008, involving a wide range of development partners. This will determine ADB's future direction and vision to 2020. Learn more about the review.

	Read the discussions on the review
	Download the LTSF 2001-2015

Facing Challenges of Achieving MDGs in Central Asia
About 100 high-level policymakers met in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, to address progress and challenges in meeting the Millennium Development Goals and improving living standards in Central Asia and the Southern Caucasus.

	View the slideshow
	Visit our MDG website

Call For Proposals for the Asian Private Clean Energy Development Funds
ADB calls for proposals from private equity fund and project managers to invest in clean energy projects and companies located within ADB's developing member countries.

Visit our Private Sector Development and Finance website

Global Solution Needed To Eradicate Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is ranked as the third largest criminal enterprise worldwide. A major human rights concern - in Asia and the Pacific and elsewhere - the issue requires the collective effort of the global community to be successfully eradicated.

	View the audiovisual presentation
	Learn more about ADB initiatives against human trafficking

Asia Moving Forward: 10 Years After the Crisis
ADB held a symposium to review the dramatic changes experienced by Asia during the past two decades - from the rapid economic growth of the mid-1990s to the large setbacks during the crisis, to today's renewed sustained expansion.

	News release | Speech | Podcasts | Videos | Photo gallery
	Visit the Asia Regional Integration Center website

Rebuilding Lives in Pakistan After the 2005 Quake
More than 18 months after a 7.6-magnitude quake killed about 80,000 people and left 2.6 million without shelter in Pakistan, one of the places worst affected - Muzaffarabad - is coming back to life.

	Video
	ADB Loans Pakistan $400 Million to Rebuild Quake-Damaged Homes

Identifying Solutions for Energy Security and Climate Change
ADB hosted a forum for development partners to highlight effective strategies to promote greater use of clean energy in Asia and the Pacific.

	Speech
	Developing ADB's Energy Strategy
	Download the study "Energy for All: Addressing the Energy, Environment, and Poverty Nexus in Asia"

Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Ministers: Meeting to Strengthen Economic Cooperation
Ministers and senior officials gathered to consolidate past efforts and seize new opportunities for GMS development. They will be reviewing the GMS Plan of Action and Strategic Framework (2002-2012), and preparing for the Third GMS Leaders' Summit in 2008.

Visit our GMS website

Biofuels Offer New Hope of Reducing Rural Poverty in Mekong
With costs and concerns rising over use of fossil fuels, the global shift toward biofuels may prove the next frontier in the transformation of agriculture. Development partners have been meeting in Bangkok to discuss policy implications and begin developing a Mekong—wide strategy on biofuels.

	News Release
	Read more about the event
	Visit ADB's Clean Energy site

World Environment Day 2007: How Climate Change Impacts Polar Ecosystems
This year's World Environment Day, celebrated each 5 June, is focusing on the effects of climate change on polar ecosystems and communities. To offset the threat and impacts of climate change, ADB is working closely with its member economies to ensure progress toward a low carbon future.

	Learn more about the issue
	Visit our Environment website

ADB Seeking Public Comment on Proposed Energy Strategy
ADB is seeking comments and suggestions from the public on the consultation draft of its new energy strategy. Comments received online through 25 July will be considered in the development of the strategy.

	Consultation Draft | Feedback Form
	Visit the Energy Strategy website

ADB Launches Internet Version of Statistical Database System
ADB has launched an internet version of its Statistical Database System, containing easily searchable economic and social data from 1988 onward for ADB's developing member countries.

	News Release
	Visit our Economics and Research website

Clean Energy and Environment Beyond Kyoto
How Asia can maintain economic growth while addressing the global concern of climate change was a key issue addressed at a seminar during ADB's 40th Annual Meeting in Kyoto.

	News Release
	Learn more about the seminar
	Visit our Clean Energy website

Vision of Prosperity Shared by All in Asia
The vision of abundant opportunity and widely shared prosperity in Asia and the Pacific is achievable, ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda told the official opening of the 40th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Kyoto.

	News Release | Speech
	Visit the Annual Meeting web site

Spotlight on Asia's Future at ADB's 40th Annual Meeting
Kyoto, Japan played host to ADB's 40th Annual Meeting, where more than 3,500 participants joined to discuss the key issues affecting the future of Asia and the Pacific.

View the Annual Meeting website for the latest updates

Annual Report 2006: A Milestone Year
Last year saw ADB sharpening its focus in pursuit of its vision of an Asia and Pacific region free of poverty. Download the 2006 Annual Report and learn more about ADB's activities and results.

Read the news release

New Asia Bond Monitor Highlights Securitization in East Asia
Structured finance in emerging East Asia holds the potential to become a significant funding tool for regional development. Securitization of assets can be used to support the region's infrastructure, microfinance, and human resource development needs.

	Read the latest issue of Asia Bond Monitor
	Read the news release

Toward a New Market Infrastructure in Asia
Asia's top banking, regulatory and investment officials are meeting in Singapore next week to explore options for a new infrastructure in the region that could help reduce investors' vulnerabilities to market fluctuations.

	Visit the event site
	Visit Asian Bonds Online

Beijing Hosts First Meeting of Mekong Agriculture Ministers
Agriculture ministers from the countries sharing the Mekong River are meeting for the first time to review the challenges facing their sector and endorse a framework for cooperation. Participating will be officials from ADB, NGOs, and other development partners.

	Learn more about the meeting
	Read more on ADB's work in the Greater Mekong Subregion

Eminent Persons' 2020 Vision for Asia
A report was released by an independent panel of eminent persons projects that by 2020, Asia will be dramatically transformed into a region that has largely conquered extreme poverty. The panel was established to advise the ADB President on trends and challenges facing the region and to inform ADB's long-term direction.

	Read the Eminent Persons Group report
	Visit ADB's Poverty Reduction site

Developing Asia Set for Strong Growth in 2007
After an exceptional performance in 2006, developing Asia looks set for strong growth of 7.6% in 2007, according to ADB's flagship economic report released this week. But economic stresses need to be managed, while rebalancing economic growth and creating jobs remain major challenges.

	Read the Asian Development Outlook 2007
	Video interview with ADB Chief Economist
	Visit our Economics and Statistics website

Every Drop Counts: Coping with Water Scarcity
If the entire world's water was symbolized by a bucket of water, the fresh water we can use equals only a spoonful. As we celebrate World Water Day, Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union releases a series of ADB public awareness announcements on the theme "Water for Life" to broadcasters in 55 countries.

	View the announcements
	Visit ADB's Water website
	Find out how communities in Asia and Pacific are coping with water scarcity

Student Essay Competition Winners Gather in Kyoto
Prize winners of an ADB-sponsored student essay competition on sustainable development in the region have been gathering in Kyoto, Japan, for a special Youth Forum to discuss Asia's future.

	Read the winning entries
	Learn more about the Asia and Pacific Youth Forum on Sustainable Development
	Visit ADB's site on Cooperation with NGOs and Civil Society

MDBs Urge Action on Climate Change and Energy
ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda was among the heads of multilateral development banks (MDBs) meeting in London this week urging new partnerships on climate change and energy issues.

	Read their joint statement
	Learn more about ADB's program on clean energy and the environment

Uniting to End Violence Against Women
This week ADB joins the rest of the world in marking International Women's Day dedicated to Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women, an issue the UN has called the most pervasive human rights violation of our time.

	Learn more about the issue
	See slide show: Faces in Development - Women in Asia and the Pacific
	Read the new Gender Law, and Policy Toolkit

Striving Toward the MDGs
With Asia and the Pacific still facing many challenges in meeting the Millennium Development Goals, officials from East and Southeast Asia are this week meeting in Ha Noi to discuss progress toward reaching the targets.

	Learn more about efforts to attain the MDGs
	Slide show: MDGs in Asia and the Pacific
	Joint report: MDGs — Progress in Asia and the Pacific

Asia's Business in Waste Management
As incomes have risen, Asian consumption has intensified, economic production expanded, and waste levels have grown. Policies promoting resource conservation can create enormous business opportunities in the region.

	Learn more about these opportunities
	Download the book "Urbanization and Sustainability" and read case studies of good practice on waste management

Connecting Central Asia
Regional cooperation is critical to achieve efficient systems and to integrate with international markets. ADB is in a strong position to support the regional transport sector to achieve this in Central Asia.

	Read the report "A Road Map for Regional Cooperation"
	Know more about ADB's Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation projects

Successful Pilots in Participatory Budgeting
Indonesia, Marshall Islands, and Pakistan demonstrated that with simple, effective, and low-cost methods, local governments can promote transparency and openness in their decision making.

	Download the new book on Public Participation in Budget-making
	Read "The Role of Public Administration in Building a Harmonious Society"—a recent collection of conference papers

Slight Drop in Complaints to ADB
ADB's fraud investigators received 171 complaints in 2006, down from 199 in 2005, according to the Annual Report of our Integrity Division.

	Download your free copy of the report
	Visit the Integrity website
	Read "Denying Safe Haven to the Corrupt and the Proceeds of Corruption" and "Curbing Corruption in Public Procurement"

Did Wealth Bring Health for PRC?
Over the past three decades, the economic growth of the People's Republic of China has been spectacular. Have the health impacts been as remarkable? Find out in our latest study.

Visit ADB's PRC Resident Mission and Economics websites

Working with Women's Nongovernment Organizations (NGOs)
Empowering women economically and socially and giving them 'voice' are crucial for achieving ADB's goal of poverty reduction. This new booklet presents case studies of NGO-supported projects that empowered women and gave them their 'voice'.

	Download your free copy
	Visit ADB's Gender Website

Addressing Public Procurement Corruption
Twenty-seven countries are tackling corruption in public procurement under an ADB/OECD anticorruption initiative for Asia and Pacific.

	Read about the progress made and challenges they face
	Visit the ADB Anticorruption website
	Report allegations of corruption

Delegating Decisions
ADB supports its developing member countries' efforts at decentralizing control in the education sector. This is an effort to lower costs, overcome bureaucracies, and, provide young people a better education.

	Know more about this project
	Poor and Disaster-Prone Province in the Philippines Tops National Exams