ADB works to help realize the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals that aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity and peace for all.
At the halfway point to 2030, and against the backdrop of multiple crises stalling progress, this report is a timely reflection on ADB’s impactful contributions since the SDGs were adopted by UN member states in 2015. With a focus on the thematic clusters of the SDGs— people, planet, prosperity, sustainable infrastructure—as well as the critical crosscutting themes of mobilizing finance and driving knowledge, the report showcases ADB’s internal alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the many ways in which it supports its members in implementing and making progress toward the SDGs.
The SDGs are considered at the project design phase, providing a clear mapping of contributions.
Progress achieved across DMCs falls short of the halfway mark, with reversals taking place on SDG 13 and 14.
Mobilizing finance is central to ADB’s Strategy 2030, which positions the organization as an effective catalyst of finance for development.
ADB’s vision is a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, which reflects the aspirations of the SDGs. Since their adoption in 2015, ADB has been committed to supporting its DMCs on their SDG journey and has made significant contributions through four critical areas of support:
Results delivered from ADB projects since
the implementation of the SDGs (2016-2024)
Poor and vulnerable people
with improved standards of living
People with improved
health, education, and social protection
People with strengthened
environmental sustainability
The world is significantly off track in achieving the SDGs by 2030. The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) states in their 2024 SDG progress report that, at the current pace, countries in the Asia and the Pacific will only achieve the SDGs by 2062, or 32 years behind schedule. The region has made tangible progress on Goal 1 on poverty eradication and on Goal 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
Given the significant financing gap, capital mobilization and cofinancing activities are critical to ADB’s mission. ADB employs a wide range of mechanisms to mobilize finance for the SDGs at scale. ADB mobilizes development finance from the private sector and crowds in private capital through credit enhancement products, third-party funding platforms for co-investment, and public-private partnerships (PPPs).
ADB supports the achievement of all SDGs to address complex development challenges. There are some areas where ADB has had a significant impact due to its long operational experience. However, leveraging its new operating model, that among others increases its capacity as the region’s climate bank, and driven by the global call for MDBs to evolve to better serve its clients, ADB is innovating in the ways it can contribute to the SDGs.
The report shines a light on diverse projects and initiatives that have positively contributed to improved development prospects, while also identifying areas that can drive systemic solutions and accelerated progress across the region.
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About ADB
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet.
Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
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