Yolanda Response Shows Power of the Virtual Citizen
A year ago this last weekend, Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) hit the Philippines, the strongest tropical cyclone in recorded history. You may have heard about this tragedy via traditional media but it is likely you heard more about it through social media.
World Water Day: How We Can ‘Unflood’ Asia
On World Water Day, it’s time to reflect on how several of Asia’s developing countries are especially vulnerable to floods. What can we do to better address this problem? Adopt a holistic approach to flood management and resilience.
World TB Day – Reaching the Missing Millions
World Tuberculosis Day provides an important occasion to raise awareness about a disease that continues to affect millions of people around the globe.
World Health Day: Where Developing Asia Stands on the Health MDGs
As we approach the deadline for the Millenium Development Goals, how has developing Asia performed so far on achieving the MDGs related to health? Here are a few highlights based on ADB’s latest data.
Women’s Participation: Why Quality Counts More Than Numbers
Nana lives in a remote village. She is married with three children. Both she and her husband are farmers. Nana went to school up to grade 3. Every now and then, the households in her community are asked to attend a meeting. One day, the village leader requested her to attend a meeting the next day.
Window of Opportunity Still Open on Climate Action
A set of reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the last of which was released on November 2, 2014, sets the scene for governments to renew their efforts on the issue through ambitious commitments for a comprehensive climate agreement in Paris in December 2015.
Will We See an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015?
Launched as a political bloc and security pact in the aftermath of the Viet Nam War, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has evolved to embrace an ambitious economic agenda. Its latest project is to establish the ASEAN Economic Community by 31 December 2015. But is this likely?
Will the Green Climate Fund Pledges Create a Momentum for Ongoing Climate Negotiations?
The recent formal pledging session for the Green Climate Fund (GCF)—more than $9 billion in just 5 months—is by far the most successful resource mobilization ever seen for a multilateral climate fund. The US has pledged $3 billion, followed by Japan ($1.5 billion), UK ($1.13 billion), and Germany and France (with $1 billion each). Four developing countries—Indonesia, Mexico, Mongolia, and Panama—have made pledges, breaking the traditional donor boundaries.
Why the Gender Gap Hurts Asia’s Long-Term Growth Potential
Women in Asia are on average 70% less likely than men to be employed, a gender gap that persists despite booming economic growth, decreasing fertility rates and increasing access to education in the region, according to a new ADB report.
Why Partnering with the Private Sector is Key to Inclusive Growth
Over the past couple of decades, no one can deny that the Asia and Pacific region has represented a remarkable success story. Absolute poverty levels have fallen significantly and the region is on course to achieve a number of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).