Microfinance Survived the Pandemic but Challenges Lie Ahead
The right actions by microfinance institutions and governments can ensure a promising outlook for microfinance in Asia this year.
Islamic Finance Can Be a Powerful Tool to Boost Climate Action
Addressing the climate emergency will require all the funding possible from as many diverse sources as possible. Islamic climate finance instruments could help in Asia and in many other parts of the world.
Workers Need Digital Skills to Remain Relevant in the Post-Pandemic Job Market
As the region emerges from the pandemic, businesses should adopt more flexible approaches to developing talent for digital jobs, while workers must embrace lifelong learning of digital skills.
How Do We Stop These Devastating Floods? Start With These Six Steps
The devastating floods in the Hindu Kush Himalaya Region have shown the urgency of actions needed to protect vulnerable communities from the impact of climate change.
Here’s How Better Crop Insurance Can Help Asia’s Farmers Survive Climate Change
‘Parametric’ insurance could offer farmers quicker relief when they lose their crops to floods, storms and other climate-driven calamities.
Online Job Listings Rebounded Strongly After the Pandemic
Official labor statistics take significant time to produce. In contrast, online job portals are already providing a window into labor demand in the post-pandemic job market.
Millions Are Going Hungry in Post-Pandemic Asia: Here’s How to Respond
The pandemic has increased malnutrition rates in many parts of Asia and the Pacific. Direct food assistance to the poor and programs that benefit farmers are being used to address the problem.
Asia’s Fashion Industry Looks to New Strategies to Overcome Pandemic Impacts
Business-friendly policies, and the transition to greater use of e-commerce and on-demand production, are key to helping Asia’s small and medium-sized fashion companies bounce back from the pandemic.
Asia's Governments Need to Act Now on Scarring Effects of School Closures
Profound impacts are already being felt due to school closures in Asia. Urgent action is needed to limit further damage to students and the broader economy.
In Asia, People with Disabilities Need Greater Access to Financial Technology
Fintech companies, with the support of governments, can lead the way in making technology a tool for people with disabilities to have greater access to financial services.