ADB Pushes Urgent Water Reforms to Counter Asian Climate Risks

Kanda highlighted the direct link between water security and regional economic stability, noting that hydropower and food production remain tethered to the health of water systems. Speaking at a symposium marking Japan's Water Day, he pointed to Japan’s half-century of integrated river basin management and disaster risk reduction as a blueprint for developing nations. The bank’s recent data underscores the scale of the challenge: while 2.7 billion people have escaped extreme water insecurity since 2013, over 220 million residents still lack basic drinking water and 520 million remain without sanitation.

To bridge the investment gap, the ADB has funneled $12.7 billion into water projects between 2021 and 2025. These initiatives range from coastal protection in Fiji to infrastructure upgrades in the Philippines and efficiency reforms in Sri Lanka. A new ADB-administered fund, established in partnership with Japan, aims to further bolster these efforts by focusing on disaster preparedness and sustainable resource management. Kanda emphasized that closing the region’s water deficit requires more than capital; it demands stronger governance, efficient water usage, and the active restoration of damaged ecosystems to ensure long-term resilience against frequent flood events.