News
Unlocking Trade Finance for MSMEs and SMEs with Negotiable Cargo Documents
On 23 June 2026, through its Law and Policy Reform Program and in partnership with the UNCITRAL Secretariat, ADB examined the Convention’s implications. Ben Sandstad, ADB Unit Head for Trade and Supply Chain (Legal), delivered opening remarks, and Angelia Chia, Senior Counsel, moderated the discussion. Yanying Li, Legal Officer at UNCITRAL, briefed ADB staff on how the Convention works in practice and what it means for trade finance.
ADB Supports Integration of Environmental Law into Cambodian Judicial Education
On 28 May 2026, the Royal Academy for Justice of Cambodia (RAJC) launched its inaugural training program on environmental law for judge trainees. The program is anchored by a comprehensive curriculum developed and tested with the support of ADB. With this launch, the RAJC assumes full ownership of the environmental law training program, independently and sustainably preparing judges to adjudicate environmental cases.
ADB Strengthens Capacity of Sri Lankan Judges on Commercial Dispute Resolution
From January to May 2026, ADB’s Law and Policy Reform Program, in partnership with the Sri Lanka Judges’ Institute (SLJI), trained more than 110 district court judges and magistrates to strengthen commercial dispute resolution critical in Sri Lanka.
ADB Launches Digital Carbon Markets Legal Toolkit
On 18 May 2026, the Asian Development Bank launched the Digital Carbon Markets Legal Toolkit, a companion tool to its Legal Blueprint for Developing and Regulating Carbon Markets, published in July 2025.
ADB, ADBI and ILI lead consultations on Asia Pacific Agricultural Finance Toolkit
On 21-30 April, ADB convened workshops in the Philippines, Cambodia, Nepal, and Bhutan to shape the Asia Pacific Agricultural Finance Toolkit.
ADB Launches Investment Governance Program in Mongolia
On 23–25 March 2026, the Asian Development Bank led consultations in Mongolia on strengthening investor confidence and the country’s investment environment.
ADB and Kyrgyz Republic Advance Dialogue on Recycling EV Batteries and Solar PV Waste
As the Kyrgyz Republic expands clean energy and electric mobility, managing end-of-life EV batteries and solar PV panels is becoming an important policy challenge. On 24 February, ADB convened government and industry stakeholders in Bishkek to discuss how the Kyrgyz Republic can address the growing issue of end-of-life EV batteries and solar PV panels
ADB’s Law and Policy Reform Program and UNDP Partner to Support Women’s Judicial Leadership
Bangkok and Manila, 10 March 2026 — On the International Day of Women Judges, ADB's Law and Policy Reform Program and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced a new regional partnership to support the establishment of Asia-Pacific Women Judges Network (APWJN) aimed at strengthening women’s leadership in the judiciary and advancing inclusive and people-centered justice systems across Asia and the Pacific.
Bhutan Policymakers Explore the Operationalization of Insolvency Law during Study Tour to Singapore
From 25 to 27 February 2026, ADB’s Law and Policy Reform (LPR) Program, in partnership with the Rule of Law Programme of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), convened a study tour to Singapore for a delegation of 10 Bhutan government officials.
Why the Rule of Law Matters for Private Sector Growth in Asia and the Pacific
Across Asia and the Pacific, developing countries are turning to the private sector to drive job creation, innovation, and transition toward greener and more resilient economies. But private sector-led growth depends fundamentally on the existence of a clear, predictable, and enforceable rule of law environment.