Regional: Creating Knowledge Solutions for the Pacific

Public sector management / Economic affairs management - Public administration

Development context. ADB's Pacific DMCs share a number of physical characteristics and development constraints. As a group of island nations, they generally (i) have small populations, economies, and land masses; (ii) are geographically dispersed and/or isolated; and (iii) face heightened exposure to disasters and the effects of climate change. Further, all of ADB's Pacific DMCs are Small Island Developing States and while seven of them are categorized fragile- and conflict-affected situations, they all experience varying degrees of fragility. Associated challenges include economic vulnerability, high-cost structures, capacity and governance constraints, unequal access to services, high import reliance, and limited exports. Addressing these challenges requires sound policy planning, deep coordination, and highly capable people and institutions-all of which are contingent on robust knowledge and capacity. However, the Pacific DMCs face acute capacity constraints and knowledge gaps, which hamper the efficiency and the sustainability of development efforts. Individual countries lack data and technical knowledge on which to base sound decision making; while regional organizations lack the resources to host robust knowledge sharing activities. Improving knowledge, capacity, and coordination at both the country and regional levels is therefore essential to strengthening development impacts, improving operational efficiency, and supporting more inclusive and resilient growth in the Pacific.

Differentiated approaches to knowledge support. Strategy 2030 identifies the need to strengthen ADB's role as knowledge provider in the region. The Independent Evaluation Department's 2020 report on ADB's knowledge solutions found gaps in the process by which ADB identifies regional and country knowledge needs, and highlighted the importance of conducting extensive consultations with governments and other stakeholders to reach a more integrated and rapid approach for providing knowledge solutions. KMAP 2021-2025 focuses on the need to improve the processes for identifying country-specific gaps and delivering tailored solutions. ADB will continue to provide knowledge solutions through its lending and other knowledge support TAs to help meet demand for long-term capacity development and supplementation. However, addressing the knowledge needs identified by KMAP, Strategy 2030, and IED will require targeted TA to support country-level consultations and solutions, regional knowledge sharing, and the comprehensive approach to designing and implementing knowledge solutions called for in the Pacific Knowledge Plan.

Local capacity to enhance resilience and overcome development increased (Pacific Approach, 2021-2025)

Governments and institutions in the Pacific are better equipped to tackle climate change, disaster risk management, and economic resilience issues

Knowledge products and services produced and disseminated

Capacity development programs conducted

Regional and country forums held