Sonia Chand Sandhu

Principal Evaluation Specialist, ADB Knowledge and Evaluation Capacity Development, Independent Evaluation Department

Sonia works with the Independent Evaluation Department at the Asian Development Bank. 27 years of international development cross sector infrastructure operations experience is across regions (South Asia, SE Asia and Africa) at ADB, World Bank, and the private sector. Sonia’s key work areas include urban resilience, livable cities, environment policy and planning, nature-based solutions, coastal and watershed protection together with building institutional capabilities, learning and knowledge management. She holds a Master in Environment Engineering from University of Maryland at College Park, USA, a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Chandigarh, India, Executive Education certificate in the “Leading Economic Growth” Program, from Harvard University, and an Executive Diploma in Urban Management Tools for Climate Change from Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Hue, Viet Nam Hue has taken the GrEEEn Cities approach to urban planning envisioned by ADB.

Creating Livable Cities

Transforming Asia's urban spaces into livable cities is a long-term commitment jointly embarked on by all stakeholders, one step at a time.

Sonia Chand Sandhu, Ramola Naik Singru

As part of effective knowledge management, solutions should be shared along with the detailed processes behind them. Photo: ADB

Knowledge is Everywhere. Here are Four Ways to Make It Easier to Share.

A wealth of knowledge – knowhow and wisdom – rests with the officials, professionals, practitioners and communities. The challenge is to unleash the untapped power of this information.

Sonia Chand Sandhu

Learning from the past is critical as governments address COVID-19. Photo: ADB

Learning from the Past for a Bright Post-Pandemic Future

Carefully evaluating development projects, and learning from success and challenges of past efforts, is more important than ever as governments fight COVID-19.

Sonia Chand Sandhu, Brahm Prakash, Mary Anne A. Chaneco

Cleaning up Manila’s esteros would result in easier water run-off and reduced flooding.

Putting Waste to Work for Green and Resilient Cities

Urban waste can be an asset. Not making the most of it is a missed opportunity for Asian cities.

Sonia Chand Sandhu

The Ganga is the most sacred river to Hindus, who worship it as a goddess. Photo by Scott Dexter.

Revive Our Rivers, Save Our Cities

Declaring rivers as “living entities” can help protect them from pollution and make the cities along their banks more livable.

Sonia Chand Sandhu

With staunch foundations and ability to adapt to the environment, redwood trees stand for centuries.

Strong Institutions Can Nourish Inclusive, Sustainable Green Growth

Just as strong roots are the foundation of strong trees, strong institutions underpin strong and sustainable economies.

Sonia Chand Sandhu

View of Chandigarh High Court from Secretariat. Photo by Eduardo Guiot.

The Architecture of Resilience

A proper balance of grey and green infrastructure is crucial to make Asia’s cities more resilient.

Sonia Chand Sandhu

Oyster farming in Viet Nam. Coastal areas are working to cope with the challenges brought about by climate change. Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh

Three Ways Small Islands and Coastal Areas can Adapt to Climate Change

Solutions for climate adaptation need to span multiple sectors, government departments and societal contexts. The challenge is great but we can meet it by combining natural and built assets with incentives for collective action and the optimization of traditional knowledge.

Sonia Chand Sandhu, Shimako Takahashi