Lean Alfred Santos

Lean Alfred Santos @DevexLeanAS

Lean Alfred Santos is a former Devex development reporter focusing on the development community in Asia-Pacific, including major players such as the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. He previously covered Philippine and international business and economic news, sports and politics.

Latest Articles

ADB's new evaluation chief: 'Accountability is our surname'

ADB's new evaluation chief: 'Accountability is our surname'

about 9 years ago // Independent evaluation

The Asian Development Bank has appointed Marvin Taylor-Dormond as the new director-general of its Independent Evaluation Department. Devex sat down with Taylor-Dormond a week into the job to learn more about his vision and approach to independent evaluation.

AIIB opens first consultation for landmark energy strategy

AIIB opens first consultation for landmark energy strategy

about 9 years ago // Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has launched the initial stage of public consultations for its first energy strategy — a crucial piece of policy that will play a significant role in the Beijing-based institution’s pursuit of becoming a "green bank." Devex speaks with an AIIB spokesperson to learn more details.

What it's like to be an emerging development leader in Asia-Pacific

What it's like to be an emerging development leader in Asia-Pacific

about 9 years ago // Asia-Pacific development

Young development professionals speak to Devex about the difficulties and opportunities for development work in the world's most populous region.

On diarrhea and importance of changing perceptions in global health

On diarrhea and importance of changing perceptions in global health

over 9 years ago // Focus on: Global health

Governments and decision-makers will have to change their perception — and understanding of the causes — of diarrhea if they want to address (and end) one of the leading causes of death among children all over the world. Devex talks to two experts to know more.

South-south cooperation at work: Inside Thailand's aid

South-south cooperation at work: Inside Thailand's aid

over 9 years ago // South-south cooperation

With more than half a billion dollars in aid over the last decade, Thailand has become a flag bearer of the idea that countries don't need to be rich to be able to give help. Devex talks to senior officials of Thailand's two major development institutions about the country's aid portfolio and why it has been a silent success.

Social protection for the elderly can improve welfare of an entire population

Social protection for the elderly can improve welfare of an entire population

over 9 years ago // Social protection

The Sustainable Development Goals are built on the idea of leaving no one behind — and that includes the elderly. But does it make economic and social sense to invest on the welfare of the aging segment of the population? HelpAge International's Daniel Horn certainly thinks so.

Building democracy and development in conflict situations

Building democracy and development in conflict situations

over 9 years ago // Conflict situations

How can development and democracy take root and become sustainable in conflict and post-conflict situations? Devex talks to Nicholas Haysom, special representative of the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for Sudan and South Sudan.

New Zealand aid program on making a difference by being 'different'

New Zealand aid program on making a difference by being 'different'

over 9 years ago // New Zealand aid

New Zealand's relatively small aid portfolio is growing in Asia-Pacific and Africa. A former prime minister and an aid program manager tell Devex what makes the country unique and why the donor focuses on effectiveness.

10 lessons on democratic transitions and its development impact

10 lessons on democratic transitions and its development impact

over 9 years ago // Democratic transitions

What best practices can help promote inclusive development during democratic transitions? International IDEA Secretary-General Yves Leterme shares 10 lessons countries can leverage to build a more sustainable blueprint for their nations.

Mekong Institute aims to foster partnership in evolving subregion

Mekong Institute aims to foster partnership in evolving subregion

over 9 years ago // Regional cooperation

How do you keep an entire subregion's development vision aligned while ensuring no one gets left behind? Devex talks to experts working with the Mekong Institute about how the intergovernmental organization can serve as a platform for partnership in the Greater Mekong Subregion.