ADB President Masato Kanda Calls For Regional Unity To Protect Asia-Pacific Economies And Energy Security

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda ended a week of high-level meetings in Washington by urging stronger regional cooperation to help countries manage the growing economic uncertainty worldwide. He noted that the Middle East conflict is placing heavy pressure on the global economy, with Asia and the Pacific feeling the most significant impact due to rising fuel, freight, and finance costs. He emphasized that economies must stay resilient by strengthening domestic stability and deepening regional cooperation, and confirmed that ADB is ready to support its members through this period.

As chair of the Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) Heads meeting, Mr. Kanda led discussions on how MDBs can work more closely together to build resilience. The discussions focused on accelerating private sector development, improving cooperation on critical minerals and water security, and enhancing efficiency through mutual reliance and a shared Value for Money procurement framework.

During his address to the World Bank–IMF Joint Ministerial Development Committee, Mr. Kanda highlighted the need for coordinated financial support to help countries manage the economic fallout of global uncertainty. He explained that ADB is quickly deploying resources—such as fast-disbursing budget support and expanded trade finance—to help stabilize economies across the region. Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations, he discussed how geopolitical shocks continue to affect Asia and the Pacific and reiterated ADB’s commitment to act swiftly and at scale.

At a G7 ministerial event on critical minerals, he underlined the risks posed by highly concentrated supply chains and described ADB’s efforts to raise environmental standards and attract private investment into mineral and manufacturing value chains. He also participated in Japan’s virtual Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit, where he reaffirmed ADB’s strong focus on protecting energy security in Asia and the Pacific. This includes ADB’s $10-billion commitment to the ASEAN Power Grid and support for Japan’s new “POWERR Asia” initiative to strengthen regional resilience in energy and resource supply chains.

Throughout the week, Mr. Kanda held bilateral meetings to advance development partnerships and expand financing pipelines. He met with Swiss President Guy Parmelin to express appreciation for Switzerland’s continued support to the Asian Development Fund. Discussions were also held with senior government leaders from the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan to scale up regional collaboration.

Strengthening engagement with Europe, Mr. Kanda met with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, as well as French officials including Minister Delegate Éléonore Caroit, Treasury Director General Bertrand Dumont, and Agence Française de Développement CEO Rémy Rioux. These meetings celebrated record levels of cofinancing between ADB and European partners and reaffirmed ADB’s joint commitment to co-host the 2027 Finance in Common Summit. Engagement with the private sector was also a key focus. Mr. Kanda met with Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson to discuss ways institutional investors can help mobilize private capital on a larger scale across the region.

The Asian Development Bank continues to play a major role in promoting inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth throughout Asia and the Pacific. Working closely with its members and development partners, ADB uses innovative financing tools and strategic cooperation to address complex challenges, support high-quality infrastructure, and advance regional development. Established in 1966, the Bank is owned by 69 members, including 50 from within the region.