(Track 1: Landscape Approaches for Resilient River Basins)
This session aims to bring together DMC officials and development partners to identify what works, where constraints remain, and how ridge‑to‑reef approaches can unlock investment‑ready pipelines. It will focus on three investment domains—climate‑resilient landscapes, competitive food systems, and inclusive jobs—alongside the enabling conditions needed for scale.
Welcome
Fatima Yasmin, Vice-President (Sectors and Themes), ADB
Opening Remarks
H.E. Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan
Keynotes
- Mark Smith, Director General, International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
- Maximo Torero, Chief Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Introducing Resilient Livelihoods from Ridge to Reef (ReLIVE-R2R) initiative
- Ivan K. Landers, Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist, SD2-AFNR
- Rabindra Osti, Principal Water Resources Specialist, SD2-AFNR
Operationalizing Food System Transformation Ridge-to-Reef in South Asia
Moderated dialogue with DMC Representatives
- Bangladesh: Md. Abu Baker Siddique Bhuayan, Additional Chief Engineer, Bangladesh Water Development Board
- Bhutan: Yonten Gyamtsho, Director Department of Agriculture
- India: Dr. Jeevan, Secretary to the Government of Assam, CEO FREMAA
- Maldives: Ahmed Waheed, Director, Ministry of Environment and Tourism
- Nepal: Suman Dahal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance
- Sri Lanka: A. R. Wickramaratna, Director, Department of National Planning, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development
Moderation: Rabindra Osti, Principal Water Resource Specialist
Closing Reflections: Future Pipelines and Integrated Programs
Qingfeng Zhang, Senior Sector Director, SG-AFNR, ADB
