SDG Dialogues – A Decade of Action: Enabling the SDGs

With less than a decade left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the COVID-19 pandemic has set back the region’s progress. As Asia and the Pacific recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to focus on the SDGs. In 2021 ADB launched its first corporate report articulating its support for the SDGs, and highlighting how its financing, knowledge, and partnerships advance the agenda.

The interactive dialogue reflects on ADB’s efforts to support the SDGs, and opportunities to help developing members accelerate progress on the Goals as they recover from the COVID 19 pandemic. The discussion will focus on:
• The need to support green, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that aligns with the SDGs.
• ADB’s response to the SDGs through financing, technical assistance, and knowledge.
• Opportunities to innovate for and deepen support for SDG implementation.

Opening Keynote: Masatsugu Asakawa, ADB President
Moderator: Smita Nakhooda, ADB Senior Results Management Specialist
Panel Discussion:
• Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister, New Zealand; UNDP Administrator
• Roger Fischer, ADB Executive Director
• Bredina Drollet, ADB Directors Advisor

Closing Remarks: Bambang Susantono, ADB Vice-President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development

00:00 The SDG Dialogues – A Decade of Action: Enabling the SDGs (Introduction)
01:22 President Masatsugu Asakawa: Opening Keynote Speech
09:00 Helen Clark
15:31 Bredina Drollet: How the SDGs Add Value to DMCs’ Engagement with Development Partners
21:14 Roger Fischer: Perspectives on the Role of Multilateral Institutions Such as ADB in Helping Countries Take On the SDGs
26:24 Audience Poll: Which ADB functions will be most critical to ensure COVID-19 Pandemic recovery advances the SDGs?
27:23 Roger Fischer: Key Priorities and Challenges for ADB As We Continue to Deepen Our Focus on the SDGs
31:48 Bredina Drollet: Complementary View on Opportunities Looking Ahead
37:05 Helen Clark: Opportunities for Renewed Multilateral Support for Progress towards the SDGs
44:50 VPKM Bambang Susantono: Closing Remarks
50:26 Closing Credits