Social Development

Taking Action to Limit the Human Impact of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters could derail the region's economic growth and poverty reduction efforts unless measures are put in place to reduce risk, strengthen community resiliency, and improve preparedness. Read More

Transferring Cash to Break the Cycle of Poverty

Cash transfers are not a magic bullet, but they are an effective means of directly assisting the poorest and most vulnerable members of a society. Read More

Building a Strong Middle Class in Asia

Investing in training and practical education will stimulate and diversify the job market in Asia - moving the poor into middle class. Watch Video

Roads Connect Villages to Opportunity in Central India

In India's Madhya Pradesh new all-weather roads connect rural people to healthcare, and to the broader economy. Read More

EQUITABLE GROWTH FOR ALL

Despite the extraordinary gains made in living standards in Asia and the Pacific hundreds of millions of people are still excluded from the benefits of rapid economic growth, without access to basic social services and vulnerable to illness, unemployment and the region’s increasingly devastating natural disasters.

ADB’s social development agenda involves people and their communities, organizations, institutions, societies and governments in all poverty relief activities. The aim is to reduce poverty, inequality and vulnerability among poor and marginalized groups by transforming institutions to enable them to foster inclusiveness and equitable access to services, resources and opportunities; empowerment to participate in social, economic and political life; security to cope with chronic or unforeseen and sudden risks.