News
ADB and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Showcase Opportunities in the Philippines for Foreign Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions
In September 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) published a comprehensive report exploring the potential and demand for Islamic banking and finance services in the Philippines. Titled Unlocking the Potential of Islamic Finance in the Philippines: A Market Analysis and Landscape Report, the study found that many Muslim Filipinos—many of whom own and operate micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—prefer Islamic financial services but have limited access to them.
ADB and IFAD Sign MOU to Enhance Law and Policy Collaboration in Forestry, Food, and Agriculture Sectors
On 3 September 2024, on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of IFI General Counsels in Montevideo, Uruguay, the Asian Development Bank General Counsel Thomas M. Clark and the International Fund for Agricultural Development General Counsel Katherine Meighan signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance collaboration in legal and policy development in the forestry, food, and agriculture sectors, as well as their shared interest in advancing environmental rule of law
ADB joins policy dialogue on climate change, water and forests in Brasilia
On 23 August 2024, ADB General Counsel Thomas M. Clark joined senior government officials, high court justices and legal and climate experts at the International Symposium on Climate Change, Water and Forests, sponsored by the Brazilian Foreign Affairs and Finance Ministries, the National High Court of Brazil and the IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law.
ADB Launches Judicial Training on Fiji Bench Book on Children
On 20–23 August 2024, in Suva, ADB and UNICEF delivered a comprehensive judicial training program on the Fiji Bench Book on Children. The entire Fiji judiciary participated in the training, supported by ADB's Law and Policy Reform Program.
Asian Development Bank Collaborates with Indonesian Stakeholders on the Model Forest Act Initiative
The Model Forest Act Initiative held a pivotal week of intensive work and knowledge sharing in Indonesia on 26-30 July 2024, bringing together leading experts in forest law and policy to refine the draft Model Forest Act and engage with key stakeholders.
Inaugural Cohort of Internationally Certified Filipino Islamic Finance Professionals Honored at Historic ADB-Philippine Government Ceremony
On 19 July 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of the Philippines convened a historic ceremony at ADB Headquarters for the inaugural cohort of 138 Filipinos who earned internationally recognized qualifications in Islamic finance from the Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia (IBFIM). All graduates—representing financial, regulatory, policymaking, and Islamic institutions across the Philippines—have successfully completed the Associate Qualification in Islamic Finance (AQIF). Additionally, seven AQIF holders advanced to earn the Intermediate Qualification in Islamic Finance (IQIF).
Asian Development Bank Trains Justice Officers in Timor-Leste to Effectively Investigate Gender-Based Violence Cases
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) partnered with Timor-Leste's Public Prosecution Service to deliver a comprehensive training program on investigating gender-based violence cases. This initiative is part of ADB's ongoing effort, through the Law and Policy Reform Program, to strengthen the country's judicial system's response to violence against women and girls.
Psychological Perspective on Offenses Against Women and Children
In these interviews, psychologists address the critical issues surrounding children in legal proceedings for gender-based violence and offenses against women and children. Experts discuss the power imbalances that affect children's testimonies, the profound impact of witnessing domestic violence, and the complex reasons behind the silence of sexual assault victims. The interviews present valuable insights from a psychological perspective that can help build capacity for prosecuting offenses and responding to vulnerable populations.
Asian Development Bank Presents Draft Insolvency Code and Concept Paper to Armenian Stakeholders
On 8-9 June 2024 in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, the Asian Development Bank's Office of the General Counsel’s Law and Policy Reform Program, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice of Armenia and the Armenian Resident Mission, held stakeholder consultations on the development of a new insolvency code.
Timor-Leste Prosecutor-General and Asian Development Bank Launch Groundbreaking Handbook to Combat Gender-Based Violence
In a major step forward for the country, Timor-Leste’s Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) unveiled the Handbook on Investigation of Gender-Based Violence Offenses for the Public Prosecution Service on 31 May 2024.