Inclusive and Sustainable Growth

Updated 20 February 2009

While economic growth is in itself a prerequisite for poverty reduction, ADBI focuses on a particular kind of economic growth, that is both inclusive and environmentally sustainable as one of its new strategic themes. Inclusive growth ensures equality of opportunity for all to enjoy the fruits of growth, avoiding extreme deprivation for people whose circumstances prevent them from benefiting from the opportunities created by growth. However, only growth that is environmentally sustainable can eliminate poverty, since many poor people depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. Such growth requires that environmental damage be kept to a level at which the environment can regenerate itself and sustain future human development.

Within the theme of inclusive and sustainable growth, ADBI will focus on three areas: infrastructure, financial sector development, and the environment and climate change.