Events listed are open to all registered participants unless "by invitation" is stated. Get an overview of events and download in excel format


Wednesday, 01 May 2019

  • 5:00 am to 6:00 am
    Side Event (ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office)
    The AREO 2019, a flagship report produced by the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), discusses the regional economic prospects as well as a thematic study on “Building Capacity and Connectivity for the New Economy.”
  • 5:00 am to 1:15 pm
    Side Event (Asian Development Bank Institute, Fiji National University, Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association, and Ocean Policy Research Institute)
    This regional workshop provided an opportunity for government officials from coastal/ocean countries to gain knowledge on disaster risk management and ocean infrastructure as well as exchange views on how to promote economic growth and sustainable development in the face of habitually climate change.

Thursday, 02 May 2019

  • 5:00 am to 7:00 am
    Host Country Seminar
    Seeing the world through the eyes of our young people is critical to achieving inclusive development. This year’s host country event––“30 Under 30: The Faces of Fiji’s Future”––showcased the industry-changing achievements of Fijians under the age of 30 through a panel-style discussion.
  • 5:45 am to 6:45 am
    Civil Society Program
    ADB senior management, represented by the ADB President, addressed representatives of CSOs and NGOs. This was followed by a question and answer that covered topics related to ADB’s programs and policies. 
  • 7:00 am to 8:00 am
    Institutional Event
    How is ADB supporting prosperity and unity for the people and economies of Asia and the Pacific? This seminar presented ADB’s 2018 Development Effectiveness Review, which highlights key achievements and challenges in ADB’s operations.
  • 7:00 am to 8:30 am
    Side Event
    by invitation
    The event encouraged open dialogue between the governments of Pacific island countries and members of the Australian and American private sectors, with the potential of shaping future infrastructure projects in a manner that leverages new technologies and attracts private investment to Pacific island countries. 
  • 8:30 am to 10:00 am
    Civil Society Program
    Civil Society Panel (NGO Forum on ADB)
    In view of the provisions in ADB’s 2009 Energy Policy, the panel discussed ADB-supported energy projects in selected developing member countries in the context of achieving adequate and affordable energy by promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy, consistent with the principles of the Paris Agreement.
  • 8:30 am to 10:00 am
    How submarine cable systems can support inclusive economic growth in Asia and the Pacific
    Connectivity is an essential tool to enhance regional integration. In this seminar, experts and key players discussed the region's connectivity demands and how ICT can contribute to collaboration that brings about development and prosperity.
  • 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
    Partners' Event
    Beyond the Horizon: Partnerships and Innovation for the Pacific
    Donors have been supporting the Pacific in strengthening capacity, connectivity, and resilience. In a time of technological advancement, knowledge expansion and emerging prosperity, there are windows to explore more innovative ways of working. This forum jumpstarted discussions on how we can work better together, in moving from small projects to big impacts.
  • 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
    ADB Seminar
    Globally, ocean health has become an urgent priority. This session focused on actions for ocean health and for developing sustainable ocean economies.
  • 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
    Civil Society Panel
    Organized by the the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Government Organisations (PIANGO)
    For over half a century, ADB has partnered with Pacific developing member countries to help them grow and prosper. Civil society organizations (CSOs) including NGOs, have played a key role in addressing poverty in the region. This session was organized by key CSOs in the Pacific.

Friday, 03 May 2019

  • 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
    Civil Society Program
    The civil society program welcomed Annual Meeting participants to the Talanoa, a space for storytelling and sharing of ideas. Talanoa is a Pacific concept of sharing stories to create connections and build relationships.
  • 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
    Joint Seminar with the International Monetary Fund
    As the era of abundant global liquidity ends, it is critical to ensure that Asia’s debt level can be sustained. A panel of experts discussed priority actions to ensure that the debt buildup does not jeopardize growth and stability.
  • 5:00 am to 6:00 am
    Institutional Event
    The 2012 ADB Accountability Mechanism Policy requires a joint learning report describing lessons learned relating to complaints about ADB projects and resolution measures. This seminar discussed the experiences of the past 3 years covered in the 2016–2018 accountability mechanism learning report.
  • 5:00 am to 6:30 am
    Governors' Event
    While developing Asia has enjoyed solid growth since the global financial crisis and some countries are even gaining stronger growth momentum, it faces increasing headwinds and heightened uncertainty. The roundtable focused on what the region’s economies must do to maintain stability and growth momentum in the face of heightened global uncertainty.
  • 6:30 am to 7:45 am
    In an address at the Opening Session of 52nd Annual Meeting of ADB’s Board of Governors, ADB President Mr. Takehiko Nakao said ADB will intensify its focus on quality and innovation in its operations, while maintaining moderate volume growth.
  • 8:00 am to 9:30 am
    ADB Office of Information Systems and Technology Digital Sandbox Program
    In this workshop on digital currencies and their impact on central banks, attendees will discuss digital currencies’ benefits and risks, implications for financial markets, private-market participation, and the role of emerging technologies for central banks to support financial inclusion.
  • 8:30 am to 9:30 am
    Civil Society Program
    Enjoy the cultural presentation and visit the exhibit displays of civil society organizations at the Civil Society Talanoa, a space for storytelling and sharing of ideas. Engage with CSO representatives and other development partners to share lessons and good practice.
  • 9:30 am to 10:30 am
    Civil Society Program
    Short, powerful presentations that focus on topics related to the role of civil society organizations in addressing key development concerns, such as resilience and adaptation to climate change, ending gender-based discrimination, and promoting accountable government institutions, among others. The TED-style talks helped share ideas and solutions among development practitioners.
  • 10:00 am to 11:30 am
    ADB Seminar and Private Sector Event
    Despite the best efforts of many ADB developing member countries (DMCs) to accelerate expansion in renewable energy, private investment around the region faces persistent challenges. The seminar surveyed the evolving approaches adopted by sponsors investing in renewable energy projects across ADB’s DMCs.
  • 10:30 am to 11:30 am
    Institutional Event
    The seminar presented an overview of ADB’s new procurement framework and its implementation status, highlighting changes relevant to the business communities. It was followed by an overview of current and future opportunities for businesses in ADB-financed projects in key sectors.
  • 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
    A Plastic Ocean is a new award-winning feature length documentary that explores the fragile state of our oceans and uncovers alarming truths about the consequences of our disposable lifestyle. The film screening was followed by an audience Q&A with the director, journalist Craig Leeson.

Saturday, 04 May 2019

  • 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
    Institutional Event
    Many of ADB's developing countries face serious environmental concerns. Such development challenges are complex and interlinked, calling for effective collaboration among countries. ADB is uniquely positioned to act as a knowledge broker and play an active role in creating this synergy. This panel discussion showcased ADB’s work in this area and the evidence-based knowledge accumulated by evaluation at ADB.
  • 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
    Governors' Event
    Facilitating private investment into frontier markets, including fragile environments, requires a customized approach to the distinct development challenges in these economies. The plenary focused on the role of ADB and other multilateral development banks in mobilizing more private investment into development, particularly for frontier markets.
  • 5:00 am to 6:00 am
    CNBC Debate
    The CNBC Debate explored how developing nations, some of which have enjoyed solid economic growth since the global financial crisis, can maintain stability and momentum. Will global tensions over trade, uncertainty over Brexit, and potential slowdowns in developed nations influence Asia’s growth potential? Or can the region seize new opportunities created by indigenous innovation, rapid technological change, and growing inter- and intra-regional foreign direct investment?
  • 5:00 am to 6:30 am
    ADB Seminar
    This seminar discussed how international trade can promote inclusive growth and empowerment, and generate decent employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for women. 
  • 5:00 am to 6:30 am
    Side Event (sponsored by the U.S. government)
    The United States sponsored and hosted a discussion highlighting key new initiatives and the need for sustainable infrastructure and appropriate financing. A panel of representatives from across Asia and the Pacific outlined both new tools they have developed and views on what is missing from the international “toolkit.”
  • 5:30 am to 7:30 am
    Civil Society Program
    This unified sport interactive activity will showcase the true spirit of inclusion and allow diverse stakeholders to engage in and understand the challenges and unique abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Interact with Special Olympics athletes and staff to delve deeper into how projects can be designed to be more inclusive.
  • 6:30 am to 8:00 am
    Civil Society Program
    Civil Society Panel (NGO Forum on ADB)
    The ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) aims to promote sustainability of project outcomes by protecting the environment and people from projects' potential adverse impacts where possible, and helping borrowers to strengthen their safeguard systems and develop the capacity to manage environmental and social risks. The panel explored issues on the ground in relation to effective implementation of ADB’s SPS. 
  • 7:00 am to 8:30 am
    Governors' Seminar
    Asia’s policy makers face the challenge of guiding the expansion of tourism in a way that protects the environment—particularly ocean health—and improves the quality of life of local residents. A distinguished panel reflected on their experiences to highlight policy options to ensure a sustainable future for Asia’s tourism.
  • 8:30 am to 10:00 am
    This seminar examined the role of clean, affordable, and abundant hydrogen and its impact on democratizing energy for all. The seminar explored the contours of the emerging hydrogen economy and its myriad benefits to society and the environment. It looked into specific solutions that use hydrogen and how they can be deployed by governments and industry in ADB’s developing member countries. 
  • 8:30 am to 10:00 am
    Connecting institutional investors with Asian development
    This seminar offered an analysis of ways the global and local capital markets can support infrastructure development through long-term funding, with an emphasis on channeling Asian savings toward sustainable, climate-resilient projects.
  • 10:00 am to 1:30 pm
    Scenes from the Business Session on 4 May 2019 at the 52nd ADB Annual Meeting in Nadi, Fiji.

Sunday, 05 May 2019

Events by invitation only.

All times in GMT+1200 (FJT)