59th ADB Annual Meeting: Civil Society Program

The Civil Society Program at the 59th ADB Annual Meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan brings together civil society organizations (CSOs), ADB, and government representatives to exchange ideas, share solutions, and drive meaningful impact on today’s complex challenges.

Join dynamic discussions on key development issues and connect with partners working toward more inclusive, sustainable, and accountable development.

Advancing ADB’s Safeguards and Accountability

By the NGO Forum on ADB 
Date: 3 May 
Time: 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. (GMT+8, Manila) / 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (GMT+5, Samarkand)

This session will examine ADB’s new Environmental and Social Framework and the critical reforms needed to strengthen its Accountability Mechanism. It will highlight why robust safeguards and accountable governance are essential to ensuring that connectivity and climate investments deliver development results while protecting communities and maximizing development impact.

 

ADB’s Commitment to a Just Transition and Paris Alignment

By the NGO Forum on ADB 
Date: 3 May  
Time: 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. (GMT+8, Manila) / 2:30 p.m.– 4:00 p.m. (GMT+5, Samarkand)

The discussion will explore ADB’s role in advancing climate action, with a focus on post-Paris energy reforms and emerging financing trends under its updated Energy Policy. 

 

 

 

 

Empowering and Investing in Youth and Women for Sustainable Healthy Cities

By the Youth for Road Safety Date: 3 May  
Time: 7:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (GMT+8, Manila) / 4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (GMT+5, Samarkand)

From green transport to climate action, young people are moving beyond talk and into the "how." This session will highlight real-world engagement approaches demonstrating how youth leadership can support solutions in mobility, health, and climate action. Youth panelists from the Youth for Road Safety Network will share experiences on how community engagement can help transform sustainable development.

 

Climate Resilience Financing for Learning Continuity in Asia

By Save the Children International
Date: 4 May  
Time: 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. (GMT+8, Manila) / 2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (GMT+5, Samarkand)

As climate disasters intensify across the region, this session will explore how innovative disaster risk financing mechanisms can help protect and sustain Asia’s education systems, with relevance for other sectors. It will highlight how coordinated action among governments, international nongovernment organizations, and local partners can mobilize development finance and attract private sector investment for climate resilient education.
 

The Impact of Reprisals on Meaningful Consultations, Accountability, and the Grievance Processes

By the Coalition for Human Rights in Development and ADB Office of Special Project Facilitator and Office of Safeguards 
Date: 4 May  
Time: 7:30 p.m.– 9:00 p.m. (GMT+8, Manila) / 4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (GMT+5, Samarkand

Inclusive development projects require safe and open participation. This session will examine why protecting communities and civil society actors is essential to meaningful dialogue, stronger participation, and effective grievance processes. The discussion will highlight how connectivity investments can deliver results—without compromising people’s voices, rights, or needs.


 

From Participation to Accountability: Engaging Women and Youth in Good Governance

By Armavir Development Center, the Open Government Partnership, and the Open Data Charter 
Date: 5 May  
Time: 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. (GMT+8, Manila) / 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (GMT+5, Samarkand)

This session will explore how open data and open governance can strengthen participation and accountability for women and young people. It will highlight how CSOs are using third-party monitoring, participatory budgeting, and AI-driven tools to deepen engagement, improve transparency, and support public accountability.

 

 

From Policy to Practice: Advancing Indigenous Peoples’ Leadership in the Energy Transition

By the Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples
Date: 5 May  
Time: 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. (GMT+8, Manila) / 2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (GMT+5 Samarkand)

This session will present examples of indigenous peoples-led renewable energy systems across Asia and the Pacific, demonstrating how community-driven approaches can support energy access, environmental protection, and economic resilience.

 
 

 

Innovative Financing to Scale Up Community-Led Solutions

By Habitat for Humanity, Humanity and Nature Indigenous Women’s Association, and Venture for Fund Raising 
Date: 5 May  
Time: 7:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (GMT+8, Manila) / 4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (GMT+5 Samarkand)

This session will bring together CSOs from across Asia and the Pacific to explore new approaches to mobilizing capital for community development. Through practical examples, panelists will show how community-led solutions—such as affordable housing and access to basic services—can be expanded by strengthening CSO fundraising capacity, building multi-stakeholder partnerships, and adopting innovative financing approaches.

 

Digital Technology and AI for Climate and Disaster Resilience 

By the International Rescue Committee–Asia and Asia Disaster Reduction and Response Network
Date: 6 May  
Time: 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. (GMT+8, Manila / 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. (GMT+5 Samarkand)

This session will explore how community level data, digital platforms, and AI-enabled information services can support climate and disaster resilience across Asia. Drawing insights from disaster epidemiology, digital humanitarian communication, data platforms, and civil society networks, the session will highlight how connected data systems can help translate early warnings into early action.

 

 

Dialogue Between ADB's Independent Evaluation Department and Civil Society Organizations

Date: 6 May  
Time: 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. (GMT+8, Manila) / 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (GMT+5 Samarkand)

Every year on the sidelines of ADB’s Annual Meeting, the Independent Evaluation Department (IED) organizes its annual dialogue with civil society organizations, in recognition of their important role as stakeholders and partners in development. IED will share its mandate and discuss past and current evaluations.