University of Michigan Partners with Asian Development Bank for Sustainable Development in Asia
A new collaboration has been established to promote sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific, led by the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability, the William Davidson Institute, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This partnership aims to harness global expertise to support the clean energy transition across ADB’s member countries.
The initiative will involve a plethora of projects focused on clean energy, e-mobility, climate and health, water, food security, and biodiversity. Experts from the University of Michigan and the William Davidson Institute will work closely with ADB teams and various stakeholders from government, industry, and academia in these developing member countries.
Scott Morris, vice president of ADB, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This collaboration will help us tap into Michigan’s expertise and access global innovation to create more opportunities to advance inclusive and sustainable development in the region.” He emphasized the importance of this partnership in empowering communities with knowledge and solutions to foster resilience and economic growth.
This partnership announcement follows Morris’s visit to the University of Michigan, where he participated in the “Powering Asia’s Future: Climate Innovation and the Energy Transition” event, discussing the continent’s energy and climate transition. These discussions, hosted by SEAS and WDI, also included a panel on “Great Lakes to the Pacific: Energy Transition Insights in Michigan and Asia.”
The collaboration plans to commission research, engage in various projects, and facilitate regional discussions and cross-learning activities in both Asia and Michigan. This approach aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between policymakers, practitioners, and Michigan-based experts.
Jonathan Overpeck, Dean of SEAS, highlighted the significance of this global collaboration, stating, “This partnership underscores the University of Michigan’s commitment to global collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the energy transition and the drive for more sustainable development.” He further noted the benefits of learning from one another in pursuing equitable, resilient development.
Focused on advancing e-mobility, the partners aim to accelerate electric vehicle adoption and related supply chain innovations. ADB and WDI’s previous work in the Philippines, including the report “Driving a just transition to e-mobility in the Philippines,” highlights their efforts in this domain.
Wendy Taylor, president and CEO of WDI, stated, “This agreement reflects WDI’s deep belief that innovation and thriving ventures are central to building healthier, more sustainable futures. By working alongside the University of Michigan and the Asian Development Bank, we’re creating pathways for inclusive economic growth that engage communities, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and accelerate progress toward a clean energy future — from Detroit to Manila.”
The partnership will also emphasize training and entrepreneurship to connect innovators from ADB member countries with Michigan’s research institutions, fostering cross-regional learning and business opportunities. WDI will spearhead efforts to facilitate technical training and market access across the regions involved.
