Track 2. COVID-19 Impacts: Rebounding from COVID-19 with Integrated Solutions

March 30th, 2021

Track 2 considered medium-term issues faced by ADB’s DMCs. The pandemic disruption has provided a window of opportunity to reset energy sector priorities and to rethink technology, finance, and policy in light of cross-sectoral issues and needs. While technological innovations and markets have to be assessed under the new normal scenario, new priorities must consider the urgency of accelerating the transition to a low-carbon energy system. The climate agenda will have to be mainstreamed into energy strategies. New policies, financing, and business models will have to be adapted.

Potential topics in Track 2 included:

  • Resetting energy sector priorities (e.g., energy access, energy efficiency, and supply-side management)
  • Mainstreaming the climate agenda in energy strategies and adopting new business models

Restructuring policy and financing support (e.g., green bonds, blue bonds, etc.)