Project Description
The Asia-Australia online short course – “Digital technologies for a climate resilient water sector” – aims to build the capacity of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) project teams and Developing Member Country (DMC) counterpart staff in the knowledge and use of digital technologies to improve water management and inclusive participation in decision-making, in turn contributing to water security and climate change resilience.
Participants will build knowledge and skills through engaging online sessions which will showcase evidence, case studies, tools and approaches that can be used in a range of water management scenarios.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
74 participants were selected to attend the course, comprising 24 ADB project staff and 50 DMC counterparts, most of whom worked in government agencies or water utilities. Participants included 29 females and 45 males and worked in 20 countries from Asia and the Pacific.
Outcomes to Date
The pre and post course surveys showed that there was a clear increase in self-assessed knowledge across all topic areas. Written feedback revealed strong praise for the design and coordination of the training and a high level of anticipated use of resources and knowledge as the participants emerged from their training. There was universal agreement that the course had met or exceed expectations. ADB is also actively encouraging participants to contact their technology specialists and finance teams to explore ways to incorporate digital technologies within their organisations and projects. The WhatsApp group of participants and presenters will also be maintained and discussions and sharing of information will be encouraged through this group.
Project Significance
The Digital Technologies for a Climate Resilient Water Sector online short course, funded by the AWP and supported by DFAT, is designed to build the capacity of Asian Development Bank (ADB) staff and Developing Member Country (DMC) project teams in the knowledge and use of digital technologies to improve water management and inclusive participation in decision-making, in turn contributing to water security and climate change resilience. The project contributes to SDG 5 Gender equality: Selection criteria included GEDSI principles to encourage participation of women, people with different abilities, indigenous people and members of ethnic minorities. The course also hihghlighted Gender aspects of digital technologies in the water sector; SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation: The course focused on the use of new technologies to improve the management of water and sanitation services; SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and infrastructure: The course covered the use of new and emerging technologies to improve innovation in the water sector; SDG 13 Climate action: Included in the course were topics covering water, climate and SDG 6 and GEDSI and climate change;