The pandemic has had a deep and profound impact throughout Southeast Asia. Many of the region's hard-won gains in reducing poverty, creating jobs, and enhancing health and well-being have been reversed, with the poor and vulnerable particularly hard-hit. 

While countries continue to grapple with the severe economic, health, and social impacts of the pandemic, vaccine rollouts, the promise of new treatments, substantial economic relief, and targeted social support are helping to make inroads. Green shoots of recovery are starting to appear, and Southeast Asian nations are now laying the groundwork for reopening, and a more enduring recovery.

The Southeast Asia Development Symposium (SEADS) 2022, 'Sustainable Solutions for Southeast Asia's Recovery,' happening on 16-17 March, will explore measures that can help the region 'build back better' and rebound from the pandemic.

SEADS 2022 will focus on actionable solutions supporting three key lynchpins of the region's recovery and revitalization: 

• Addressing debilitating supply chain bottlenecks;
• Rejuvenating the region's once-flourishing tourism industry; and
• Advancing digital transformation.

SEADS 2022 will also explore new opportunities that can take the region beyond business as usual by helping countries:

• Enhance domestic resource mobilization;
• Find green and environmentally sustainable pathways;
• Improve inclusivity for the poor and other vulnerable groups; and
• Promote equality and greater opportunities for women.

It is hoped that SEADS 2022 can contribute to dialogue at the 2022 ASEAN Finance Ministers' Meeting, ADB Annual Meeting, and G20 Summit (being hosted by Indonesia).

On 16 March at 1:30 PM (UTC+8), the SEADS 2022 session on Women Driving Sustainable Transformation in ASEAN, organised by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in collaboration with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), will discuss how women are driving the sustainable transition in Southeast Asia.

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