Asian Development Blog

Pacific nations are some of the most vulnerable in the world to disasters. ADB photo.

An Innovative Approach to Helping the Pacific Cope with Disasters

Contingent financing provides quick, flexible financing for vulnerable countries in the Pacific to respond and rebuild after disasters

Rommel Rabanal

Energy contingency plans are crucial for small vulnerable islands in the Pacific. Photo: Kawshar Ahmed

Are Pacific Power Utilities Ready for the Impact of COVID-19?

In the fragile energy scenario of small Pacific islands, contingency plans are crucial to keep the lights on during a crisis.

Rafayil Abbasov

In many countries, COVID-19 has pushed people toward the use of digital tools such as mobile devices for financial transactions. Photo: Quaid Lagan

COVID-19 Has Created Digital Opportunities in the Pacific

The pandemic is changing consumer behavior and expectations in the Pacific, particularly when it comes to using digital tools for financial transactions.

Lotte Schou-Zibell, Nigel Phair

To keep Pacific islands in pristine condition, action must be taken at multiple levels. Photo: ADB

For Clean Islands and a Clean Ocean in the Pacific, Start with Solid Waste Management

Solid waste challenges in the Pacific must be addressed at the island, regional, and ocean level.

Jingmin Huang

In many parts of Asia, students took classes from home for nearly two years during the pandemic. Photo: Annushka Ahuja

Here’s How Pandemic School Closures Worsen Asia's Educational Divide

The closure of schools due to COVID-19 has had wide-ranging impacts on students and education systems. Support should focus on closing the learning gap and preparing for the next crisis.

Stefan Schipper, Sean Crowley, Lea Rotairo

How New Zealand Contributes to ADB's Approach to the Pacific

New Zealand and ADB are collaborating with Pacific nations to help them achieve their development goals.

Stephen P. Groff

Waste management is particularly important in fragile island communities. Photo: Dustan Woodhouse

In the Pacific, COVID-19 is Changing the Way We Think About Waste Management

The pandemic is producing more household waste and increased amounts of dangerous medical waste. We need to manage these changes for our immediate safety and for the long-term welfare of our communities.

Anupma Jain

When the COVID-19 outbreak struck Asia, many Pacific islands restricted incoming air and sea traffic. Photo: Nils Grimm

In the Pacific, Urgent Action is the Key to Addressing COVID-19

Pacific nations, led by the smallest and least well-off, moved decisively to restrict travel from a fast-growing list of COVID-19 affected countries.

Emma Veve

In geographically dispersed Pacific atoll nations like Kiribati, women lack access to many needs including opportunities in the lucrative fishing industry. Photo: ADB

In the Remote Atolls of the Pacific, Women Struggle for Basic Resources

The immense distance between islands in the Pacific creates challenges for accessing resources, particularly for women. Targeted policies, tailored for their needs, are required.

Ritu Verma