COVID-19

Increasingly, technology is being used to conduct the social analysis needed for development projects. Photo: ADB

Social analysis while social distancing

The COVID-19 crisis requires innovative thinking in conducting social analysis and assessments for development projects

Face-to-face meetings are needed to deeply understand what people on the ground are thinking and feeling about the development projects that affect them. Photo: ADB

It takes hard work and imaginative solutions to ensure development projects deliver for communities

Safeguards – the procedures that ensure projects and programs avoid, minimize and mitigate adverse impacts on people and the environment – are a crucial part of development work

Woochong Um

Asia’s cities have experienced extraordinary air quality in recent months. Photo: ADB

We need to do whatever it takes to improve air quality

Now is the time to take advantage of the clean air being experienced in many cities across Asia. We must not support a “quick and dirty” post-COVID-19 recovery plan that returns pollution to the region’s skies.

Emma Marsden, Susann Roth

Throughout Asia, countries are grappling with food supply disruptions and other challenges brought about by COVID-19. Photo: Debbie Molle

Keeping Asia and the Pacific fed during the pandemic

The COVID-19 crisis should be used as an opportunity for developing economies to implement reforms that help ensure food security

Kijin Kim, Sunae Kim, Cyn-Young Park (朴信永)

Small and micro business operators are particularly vulnerable to fraudulent offers and often need financial education. Photo: ADB

Strings attached: Financial education is needed to judge pandemic assistance

Households and small businesses are being offered a dizzying array of financial assistance packages to survive COVID-19, but many lack the financial skills to judge if they are right for them.

Arup Kumar Chatterjee

Protecting construction workers from coronavirus

COVID-19 has highlighted the need to routinely inspect construction sites including camps and address any overcrowding and unsanitary conditions.

Cindy Bryson, Haidy Ear-Dupuy, Jean Williams

The college experience will change dramatically in coming years.

After COVID-19: The coming upheaval in higher education

Universities that adopt quality online learning, forge significant partnerships, and demonstrate results in preparing students of all ages for work in a technology-driven economy, stand the best chance of thriving after the pandemic.

Bart Édes, Alastair Dingwall

Hand washing and other basic hygiene can be challenging on Pacific island where water is scare. Photo: Nathan Dumlao

Water, sanitation and hygiene key to Pacific’s ongoing COVID strategy

Pacific island nations have been among the top performers worldwide in controlling COVID-19. A greater emphasis on water, sanitation and hygiene practices will help continue that success.

Jingmin Huang