ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.
Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
ORGANIZATION
ACCOUNTABILITY
ADB supports projects in developing member countries that create economic and development impact, delivered through both public and private sector operations, advisory services, and knowledge support.
Social Development and Poverty
ADB’s central mission is working to reduce poverty in Asia and the Pacific and to ensure the benefits of economic growth and social development are equitably spread.
- Jump to:
- What ADB Is Doing
- What ADB Has Done
- What's New
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Over 200 million people in the region lived on less than $2.15 a day and around 1 billion on less than $3.65 a day in 2022. Inequality continues to grow.
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Strong growth and social development have led to the region rapidly aging, with important economic and social consequences.
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Many persons with disabilities face extreme poverty because of lack of access, and exclusion from opportunities.
Population living on less than $2.15
a day in developing Asia
In 2022, 211 million people lived on less than $2.15 a day in developing Asia.
Developing Asia
is aging rapidly
From 1950-2050, there are high population numbers that have led to rapid aging in the region.
Countries with Laws related
to Persons with Disabilities
Persons with disabilities, especially women and girls, often experience additional difficulties in developing their full potential.
Poverty reduction is central to ADB’s work and is the focus of Strategy 2030's first operational priority. ADB’s focus on inclusion to ensure the benefits of growth are extended to all, has contributed to regional poverty reduction for more than half a century. ADB’s program for social protection support aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability by promoting efficient labor markets, diminishing risk, and protecting against loss of income. Through its growing health and social protection portfolio, ADB pays particular attention to the long-term care and health of the region’s rapidly aging population.
Our Impact
Results delivered in 2023 from ADB projects.
93.5 million
Poor and vulnerable people with improved standards of living
49
Social protection schemes established or improved
347,000
Jobs generated
Your Questions Answered
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Why does ADB have specific social development strategies, surely as the region grows wealthier social indicators improve in tandem?
While the tide of economic growth is generally expected to lift all boats, in real life it often leaves behind people who are poor and vulnerable. Hence, there is a need for social development strategies that specifically target economic and social integration of disadvantaged groups.
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What are the three most cost-effective ways of reducing severe poverty?
The three most cost-effective ways of reducing severe poverty are investments in human capital (health and education), skills and life-long learning, and social protection. This includes social assistance programs specifically targeting extreme poor and vulnerable.
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The region is rapidly aging. How should social protection measures adapt to deal with this reality?
Population aging is closely correlated to social and economic development, so increased longevity is to be celebrated. But the rapid increase in the numbers of older people in Asia and the Pacific means health and care systems need to adapt.
What's New
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| Publications, Reports
Indonesia Longitudinal Aging Survey 2023
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| Video
Asian Impact Webinar: Pensions in Ageing Asia - Policy Insights and Priorities
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| Development Asia
Bhutan’s Path to Green and Resilient Affordable Housing
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| Publications, Guides
Guidelines for Climate-Resilient, Gender-Responsive, and Socially Inclusive Public Open Spaces in Bangladesh
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| Development Asia
Building Housing Resilience for the Vulnerable Amid Climate Challenges
