CTO news

“Digital Technology for Transformation”

24–28 June 2025 | ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines

The Asia Pacific Digital Transformation Forum 2025, hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in partnership with the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO), will take place from 24 to 28 June 2025 at the ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, in a hybrid format allowing both in-person and virtual participation.

This inaugural forum, themed “Digital Technology for Transformation,” is designed to support emerging economies in harnessing the power of digital technologies to drive inclusive and sustainable development. By bringing together key stakeholders from across the region—including government officials, industry leaders, development partners, and ADB staff—the event aims to foster cross-sectoral innovation, strategic partnerships, and practical solutions for digital transformation.

Event Highlights

• Tech Exchange meet and Network with ADB Staff: A pre-event networking opportunity for private companies to showcase their latest technological innovations to ADB staff, fostering connections and exploring collaboration opportunities. 

• Tech Trailblazer Panel: Discussions featuring insights from public and private sector leaders on digital transformation in Asia and the Pacific, highlighting ADB's vision and strategies.

• Digital Tech & Innovation Marketplace: A platform for stakeholders to explore digital solutions and innovative financing options for digital transformation projects.

• Google-ADB Solutions Challenge 2025: A collaborative initiative where student teams develop AI-based solutions addressing challenges in agriculture, transport, disaster risk response, education, and healthcare. Finalists will present their solutions at ADB Headquarters, with an awards ceremony on 25 June 2025.

• Closed-Door Ministerial Meeting: A significant component of the forum is the Closed-Door Ministerial Meeting, co-organized by ADB, the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, and the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO). This meeting will convene decision-makers from ADB member economies, public and private partners, to explore digital solutions and innovative financing for digital transformation projects. The objective is to enhance regional cooperation on digital development and share best practices.

• CTO Commonwealth Digital Nations Alliance Meeting: In addition to the ministerial meeting, the Forum will feature a CTO Commonwealth Digital Nations Alliance engagement. This activity will present emerging technologies and discuss their implications for policy, legislation, and regulations; and address the critical ICT issues for accelerating Commonwealth transformation.