Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda opened the bank’s 59th Annual Meeting in Samarkand by calling for stronger regional cooperation across Asia and the Pacific. He stressed that in an increasingly fragmented world, countries must work together through deeper cross-border connections to build resilience and ensure inclusive, long-term growth.
The annual meeting, held from 3 to 6 May 2026 under the theme “Crossroads of Progress: Advancing the Region’s Connected Future,” brings together policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners. Discussions focus on advancing solutions in regional connectivity, digital innovation, and development finance to address shared challenges across the region.
In his address, Kanda highlighted how modern shocks—ranging from disruptions in energy markets to supply chains and digital systems—rapidly spread across borders, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. He emphasized that these interconnected risks require coordinated regional responses rather than isolated national strategies.
ADB is responding by scaling up investments and accelerating reforms to better integrate infrastructure, markets, and institutions. In the past year, the bank provided $29.3 billion in financial support while improving its capacity to deliver assistance more quickly and at greater scale.
A key part of this strategy is the recently launched $70 billion programme aimed at strengthening regional resilience. This includes a $50 billion Pan-Asia Power Grid to expand cross-border renewable energy integration and a $20 billion initiative to boost digital connectivity and reduce the region’s digital divide.
The bank has also taken steps to support countries affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict, becoming the first development partner to provide financial assistance as economic pressures intensify. These disruptions are expected to slow regional growth to 4.7% in 2026 while increasing inflation to 5.2%, with worse outcomes possible if the conflict escalates further.
Kanda described ADB as a stabilizing force during a period marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and environmental stress. He emphasized the institution’s role as a financier, advisor, and mobilizer capable of addressing major challenges such as attracting private investment and tackling environmental degradation, while reaffirming its commitment to advancing sustainable and inclusive development across the region.
