ADBI Annual Conference Spotlights Keys to Navigating SDG Progress in Asia

Tokyo, Japan - Researchers and practitioners examined the factors that affect progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Asia and the Pacific during the virtual ADBI Annual Conference 2023 on 28–30 November.

ADBI Dean Tetsushi Sonobe opened this year’s flagship ADBI event, held at the SDG midpoint, by emphasizing the centrality of the 2030 Agenda and the need for rigorous, science-based policy innovation to intersect global efforts and fulfill internationally agreed visions.

Asian Development Bank President Masatsugu Asakawa provided a video message highlighting the bank’s innovative financing platforms for addressing financing gaps and advancing transition.

The conference also featured the Brookings Institution’s John McCarthy, London School of Economics’ Lant Pritchett, and other experts who assessed the sustainable development landscape in the region and globally.

Noting the diverse SDG progress among countries, McCarthy urged the creation of a new development mechanism that would more actively engage emerging economies. Pritchett warned against the risk of placing too much attention on progress toward specific SDG targets and suggested encouraging countries to strive for broad-based national development instead.

Other topics discussed during the 3-day event included gender equality, the deep-rooted challenges that impede progress, climate action, the role of science and technology, and human capital development.

View the webinar recording.