Summary

Many developing economies across Asia and the Pacific have made significant progress in reducing poverty and achieving sustained economic growth, yet many continue to face persistent challenges related to multidimensional poverty, inequality, demographic change, unequal access to quality education and healthcare, and gaps in social protection. As countries strive to transition from middle- to high-income status, there is growing recognition that economic growth alone is insufficient without policies that ensure its benefits are broadly shared and resilience is strengthened. At the same time, rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation are reshaping labor markets, public service delivery, and access to economic opportunities, creating both new opportunities and risks for inclusive development.

This ADBI-ESCAP policy dialogue is organized under the Quality Inclusive Development pillar (pillar 4) of ADBI's flagship program, Shaping Asia's Future Prosperity with Quality Growth. It will bring together leading think tanks, policymakers, international organizations, and development partners to examine the key drivers of quality and inclusive development.

Through country case studies, expert presentations, and panel discussions, participants will exchange evidence-based policy experiences, identify common challenges and successful reform strategies, and explore practical approaches to strengthening human capital, social protection, reducing multidimensional poverty, and support countries toward achieving high-income, inclusive, and resilient development.

Objectives

• Present country case studies and research on pathways to achieving quality and inclusive development
• Identify the key drivers, policy challenges, and successful strategies for reducing poverty, inequality, and strengthening human capital and social protection
• Facilitate cross-country learning by comparing country experiences and identifying common diagnostics and policy priorities for achieving high-income status
• Strengthen collaboration among think tanks, policymakers, international organizations, and development partners, while contributing to ADBI's knowledge products and future activities

Target Participants

• Representatives from national think tanks from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mongolia, and Thailand 
• Experts from academia, international organizations, and other development partners

How to Register

By invitation or prior arrangement with ADBI

Partner

Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)