COVID-19 recovery in developing Asia could follow a traditional growth path that relies on carbon- and resource-intensive production. By contrast, the transition to a circular economy could deliver greener and more enduring post-pandemic growth in the region. 

In this podcast, ADBI’s Linda Arthur and Derek Hondo, describe the prospects for achieving such a breakthrough and associated principles and policy priorities.

Read the transcript
https://adbi.me/3kIbiZj

Related link
Virtual Conference on Circular Economy in Emerging Markets: Unlocking the Potential for Green Recovery in Developing Asia
https://adbi.me/2WCCGPK

How to boost the circular economy and potential for a green recovery in Asia

How has the COVID-19 crisis impacted the Asian economy and what can the region’s policy makers do to advance economic recovery? 

In this podcast, ADBI Research Fellow John Beirne addresses these fundamental questions, describing new research that underscores the importance of building longer-term resilience and sustainability in Asia and possible ways forward. 

The discussion draws upon his new coedited book COVID-19 Impacts and Policy Options: An Asian Perspective, the inaugural entry in the ADBI Series on Asian and Pacific Sustainable Development, Beirne coedited the book with Tetsushi Sonobe, ADBI Dean, and Peter J. Morgan, ADBI Vice-Chair of Research.

Read the transcript
https://adbi.me/3jdXcyC

Related link
COVID-19 Impacts and Policy Options: An Asian Perspective
https://adbi.me/3ACY6L1

How are COVID-19’s economic impacts in Asia shaping the region’s post-pandemic policy prescriptions?

Economies across Asia and globally are facing the risk of spiraling debt and inflation triggered by emergency responses to the COVID-19 crisis.
 
In this podcast, Indonesia Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati discusses how these challenges could impact economic recovery and strategies for addressing them, including the role of international cooperation. 
 
The discussion draws upon her ADBI Featured Speaker Webinar on Indonesia’s G20 2022 host vision and priorities. 

Read the transcript
https://adbi.me/30yiXmH

Related Page
ADBI Featured Speaker Webinar: Indonesia Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati on G20 2022 Host Vision and Priorities
https://adbi.me/3H1rY87

Indonesia Finance Minister talks strategy to reduce inflation and accelerate recovery

Digital transformation is raising the productive capacities of economies in Asia by enhancing trade, financial inclusion, and firm competitiveness, but could it provide an even greater competitive advantage?

According to ADBI Research Fellow John Beirne, the answer is yes! In this podcast, Beirne explains how improvements in infrastructure, digital literacy, and regulation can maximize digitalization’s benefits for the region’s economies. 

The discussion draws upon his new co-edited book Harnessing Digitalization for Sustainable Economic Development: Insights for Asia.

Read the transcript
https://adbi.me/3tnwI3P

Download the book
https://adbi.me/3FsPYiP

How Asia can maximize digitalization’s sustainable economic development-boosting potential

The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation member countries, also known as the CAREC region, extends from Azerbaijan to the People’s Republic of China, and includes some of the world’s most important producers of energy and natural resources, and emerging trade routes. So how seriously has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the region’s economies and what does the future hold in store?

In this podcast, ADBI’s Dina Azhgaliyeva and Kamalbek Karymshakov of the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University describe the heavy impact of COVID-19 on household incomes across Central and West Asia and factors disrupting the ability of businesses in the region to adapt successfully to the COVID-19 outbreak. They also share their research insights on recovery policy options and the road ahead in CAREC countries. 

The discussion draws upon a joint ADBI – CAREC Institute forthcoming edited book, COVID-19 and Economic Recovery Potential in the CAREC Region.

Read the transcript
adbi.me/3hBb053

Unpacking COVID-19’s economic impacts and recovery potential in the CAREC Region

In 2022, the Asian Development Bank Institute is observing the 25th anniversary of its founding as the Asian Development Bank’s Tokyo-based think tank under the theme Toward Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development in Asia and the Pacific.

In this episode of Asia’s Developing Future, the Australian National University’s Peter McCawley, ADBI Dean from 2003-2007, discusses developing Asia and the Pacific’s policy imperatives in the face of transformational change and new risks and how these factors drove ADBI’s creation. He also explains the importance of ensuring regional peace and stability for effective physical and human development and how think tanks can address this urgent need.

Read the transcript: https://adbi.me/3JCrcja

ADBI pioneer on guiding Asia’s development in the face of transformational change and new risks

In 2022, the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) is observing the 25th anniversary of its founding as the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Tokyo-based think tank under the theme Toward Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development in Asia and the Pacific.

In this episode of Asia’s Developing Future, Keio University professor Naoyuki Yoshino, ADBI Dean from 2014-2020 and a longtime finance official for the Government of Japan, discusses ways to effectively translate innovative policy research into government action. He draws upon his experience as chair of the Group of 20’s think tank engagement group, the Think20 (T20), during Japan’s 2019 G20 presidency. He goes on to explain how policy researchers can leverage their work to boost economic recovery in Asia and the Pacific.

Read the transcript: https://adbi.me/3vruXSl

How to bridge the gap between policy research and government action to spark Asian economic recovery

Asia and the Pacific account for over 50% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Recognizing the urgent need for action to limit global warming to 1.5°C and fight climate change, governments in the region are increasingly committing to the ambitious target of net-zero carbon emissions by around mid-century.

In this podcast, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Climate Envoy Warren Evans explains the benefits of climate change mitigation efforts to developing countries in Asia and the Pacific and discusses some solutions for achieving their carbon reduction commitments, and provides a blueprint for long-term emissions cuts critical to climate change mitigation and resilience.

Read the transcript: adbi.me/3ALDqn8

Developing Asia’s climate change mitigation outlook

Fast-growing developing and emerging countries in Asia and beyond are facing the dual challenges of meeting increasing energy demand while tackling carbon emissions to fight climate change.

In this podcast, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank(AIIB) Chief Economist Erik Berglof describes policy tools a state can use to accelerate private sector-backed carbon net zero transition, such as state-owned financial institutions and private-public partnerships. He also explains how these tools can be integrated into national strategies to promote innovation and technology adoption.

The discussion draws upon his ADBI Featured Speaker Webinar on state capacity and private sector mobilization toward net zero in emerging economies.  

Transcript: adbi.me/3RVe65e

What’s in the carbon net zero toolbox for consumption-driven developing countries?

Economic policy prescriptions for crisis-hit developing countries known as the “Washington Consensus” have boosted prosperity in Asia and beyond but also have been criticized for negatively affecting manufacturing jobs and the labor force in developed countries.

In this podcast, Jenny Gordon, Honorary Professor at the Centre for Social Research and Methods at the Australian National University, explains the principles and limitations of the Washington Consensus and how countries can approach them effectively moving forward.

Transcript: adbi.me/3Ow6AxQ

The way forward for "Washington Consensus" development reforms

In this podcast, the Asian Development Bank Institute’s Santi Setiawati spotlights Japan’s innovative sanitation and wastewater management systems and the implementation lessons they offer developing countries in Asia seeking to address coverage gaps within the sector.

The discussion is based on the ADBI policy brief The Financial and Institutional Mechanism of the Sanitation and Wastewater Management System: Learning from the Japanese Experience.

Transcript: adbi.me/45dhYVm

How Japan’s sanitation and wastewater management breakthroughs can be applied to developing Asia

Almost two million households across Central Asia suffer from energy poverty according to the World Bank. The challenges are to maintain and provide infrastructure in rural parts of the region and explore new energy models for social inclusion and just transition.

In this podcast, ADBI Senior Research Fellow Dina Azhgaliyeva, Zhanna Kapsalyamova from Nazarbayev University, and Anna Arkhangelskaya from the Institute of Energy under the Kyrgyz Technical University explain socio-economic disparity that energy-poor households face and discuss policy options to replace inefficient fossil fuel subsidies while minimizing the impact of energy prices on vulnerable households.

Script: adbi.me/46zOLU9

How to tackle energy poverty for a just transition in Central Asia

Women entrepreneurs make a significant contribution to the Indian economy. However, access to formal finance is a crucial barrier to the growth of women-owned businesses. 

In this podcast, Renana Jhabvala, the President of SEWA, the Self-Employed Women’s Association, will explain the policy tool that the Indian government has been implementing to formalize women’s economic participation and her experience with SEWA in utilizing bridge institutions to connect women entrepreneurs and formal banking sector.

Transcript: adbi.me/3vHsHdB

How to close the finance gap for women entrepreneurs in India

From machine learning to Blockchain, clean tech organizations are exploring innovative ways to support the adoption of renewable energy sources while also addressing energy poverty. 

In this episode, Onon Bayasgalan, Chief Sustainability Officer for URECA talks about their project in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, that is empowering women-led households by switching from coal to solar power and giving them access to the carbon credit market to finance their energy transition.

Empowering women through solar energy

Hybrid working is a win-win for employers and employees, says Professor Nicholas Bloom, but why hasn’t it taken off in many parts Asia and the Pacific? The economist from Stanford University shares his thoughts and latest research in a discussion with ADBI.

Is working from home working in Asia?

Join independent science journalist Disha Shetty, recent winner of ADBI’s Developing Asia Journalism Awards, and Suling Lin, senior columnist from The Straits Times, as they discuss the challenges facing journalists reporting on development issues in an ever-changing news environment, and how collaboration with research organizations can amplify their impact.

Reporting for a better world: Journalism’s role in sustainable development

Climate change is likely to have catastrophic repercussions on human health, with health costs amounting to between $2 billion - to $4 billion a year. Estimates also suggest that the economic burden of climate change could rise to a staggering $54 trillion with just a 1.5°C rise. Join Nitya Mohan-Khemka, director of strategic initiatives with PATH as she unpacks the urgent actions and potential solutions needed to climate-proof health care systems.

How to climate-proof health care

The first World Conference on Creative Economy, held in Indonesia in 2018, paved the way by emphasizing the critical role of creativity in driving economic growth and fostering global collaboration. Join ADBI's James Correia and Sheena Leong explore the transformative power of the creative economy and its potential to shape a sustainable and inclusive future.

The impact of the creative economy

Estimates suggest that only 15% of Asian assets have appropriate coverage for disaster risks. How can these “protection gaps” be filled? Yoshihiro Kawai, Chair of Global Asia Insurance Partnership and Tetsushi Sonobe, Dean of ADBI discuss the issue and how a new joint project aims to increase risk resilience.  

Building risk resilience in Asia and the Pacific

How can smart ports drive sustainability and development? ADB’s Yesim Elhan-Kayalar and maritime expert Eleanor Hadland explore how AI and other digital innovations are transforming ports, reducing emissions and can help countries in Asia and the Pacific achieve their sustainability goals.

Navigating the future of smart ports

If you don’t know what InsurTech is, you should. Listen to global insurance expert Susan Holliday explain how this dynamic area of FinTech is shaking up the industry, and how it can support sustainable development and address Asia and the Pacific’s protection gaps.

Why InsurTech matters: innovation, inclusion and impact

Globally, smallholder farmers account for over 80% of farms and are estimated to produce around one-third of the world's food, but with climate change, economic shocks and environmental degradation to contend with what does the future hold for the people who feed billions around the world? ADBI senior research fellow Dil Rahut and Imtiaz Farhan Bin Habib, CEO and co-founder of Agronochain, explore the innovations and policies that can secure the future of smallholder farmers.

Script: https://adbi.me/3XXUKk6

Growing a sustainable future for smallholder farmers

Governments are some of the biggest buyers of construction services, putting them in a powerful position to shape a more sustainable future. In this episode, Andrew Minson, Concrete and Sustainable Construction Director at the Global Cement and Concrete Association, and Jenny Yan Yee Chu, Procurement Specialist at the Asian Development Bank explore how sustainable public procurement can change industry, spark sustainable growth, and build a low-carbon future for Asia and the Pacific. 
Script: https://adbi.me/3Ya2UGq

Cementing sustainability in the construction industry

In this episode of Asia’s Developing Future, Daniel Suryadarma and Takiko Igarashi from ADB Institute explore how Asia can tackle its growing education crisis where 70% of 10-year-olds in developing countries struggle with basic reading.
Script: https://adbi.me/3STBD7Y

Asia’s learning crisis: how teachers and technology are changing the game

As scams and cybercrime soar in the digital age, financial crime has become a moving target. Shawn Hunter, research fellow at Griffith Asia Institute, and Louis de Koker, a professor of law at La Trobe University, explain how new technologies, outdated frameworks, and regulatory gaps affect everything from financial inclusion to cross-border cooperation in Asia and the Pacific.

Script: https://adbi.me/3T5D5V1

The costs of financial crime prevention in Asia and the Pacific

With global fragmentation on the rise, ADBI Dean Bambang Brodjonegoro and ADB Vice-President for East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, Scott Morris explore how Asia and the Pacific can boost resilience and forge a bright future through cross-border integration. 
Read the transcript: https://adbi.me/3GN3zIh

Why regional integration in Asia matters now more than ever

Dr. K.E. Seetharam, Senior Consulting Specialist at the Asian Development Bank Institute, and Dr. Sakshi Pandey of the Capacity Building Commission, Government of India, explore Asia’s triple burden of malnutrition: urban obesity, rural undernutrition, and widespread micronutrient deficiencies. Drawing on case studies and insights from their recent book, they examine how urbanization, evolving food systems, and socio-economic disparities are reshaping public health across the region. Script: https://adbi.me/4m4p078

The triple burden of malnutrition in modern Asia

How is AI reshaping the future of work across Asia and the Pacific? In this episode, journalist Michael Beltran and Professor Mohammad Jarrahi cut through the hype to explore automation, tacit knowledge, and co-learning between humans and machines. Discover what AI means for BPO workers, education, and the policies needed to protect vulnerable communities.

Script: https://adbi.me/46202Qo

AI at work: hype, hope, and hard realities in Asia

Court battles can drag on for years, but what if major cross-border disputes could be solved in just days?  Nadja Alexander, Director of the Singapore International Dispute Resolution Academy, and Rajesh Sharma, Director of RMIT Dispute Management Centre, explain how mediation and arbitration are helping Asia’s economies cut case backlogs, boost investor confidence, and build trust.  

 Script: https://adbi.me/3L6O289

How alternative dispute resolution can drive development in Asia

What does it take to develop effective policymakers in today’s turbulent geopolitical climate? Professor Francis Fukuyama joined ADBI Dean Bambang Brodjonegoro to discuss the future of governance, why building policy expertise matters more than ever, and the challenges and opportunities for capacity development across Asia and the Pacific. 

Script: adbi.me/4rDSH2f

Governing in a changing world: Francis Fukuyama on training the leaders of tomorrow

ADBI is the think tank of the Asian Development Bank. We conduct policy research and capacity building to drive sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.

Asia's Developing Future

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