This sector directional guide describes the context and rationale that will guide the agenda of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in supporting developing member countries with financing, knowledge, convening ability, and technical assistance to ensure improved the coherence, relevance, efficiency, and effectiveness of ADB’s energy sector investments. It outlines the priorities and focus for the energy sector in line with Strategy 2023. The guide is designed to be a living document, to be updated as needed to remain relevant to the dynamic development context of Asia and the Pacifi c. A midterm review will be conducted following the expected review of the Energy Policy in 2025.

At the halfway point to the Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030, Asia and the Pacific is off track on all its targets. This report reflects on the support ADB has provided since 2015 to help its developing member countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a focus on four thematic clusters—people, planet, prosperity, and sustainable infrastructure—as well as crosscutting themes of mobilizing finance and enhancing knowledge, it showcases diverse examples of the bank’s impactful projects and initiatives. The report also identifies ways in which ADB can enhance its support to accelerate SDG progress across Asia and the Pacific.

In the Asia and Pacific region, accessing clean water and sanitation is a constant challenge for residents of informal settlements. Informal service providers, or intermediaries, have emerged in response to this significant essential service gap. This publication examines good practices particularly those involving intermediaries—social enterprises, the private sector, and nongovernment organizations—in delivering water and sanitation services in informal settlements, and their potential for expansion. It presents case studies from Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. The learning is intended to encourage governments, water supply and sanitation utilities, and development financing institutions to incorporate intermediary service providers as valuable partners in large-scale, sustainable investments in water and sanitation service delivery.

Kazakhstan Investment and Business Guide Volume 1 Strategic and Practical Information