With the theme of "Linking People and Economies for Inclusive Growth," this year’s Annual Meeting was attended by over 4,000 delegates from member governments, academics, business leaders, and civil society representatives.
ADB President Mr. Takehiko Nakao delivering his address at the Opening Session of the Board of Governors during the 51st ADB Annual Meeting on May 5th 2018. (Source: ADB)
In this opening address, Mr. Nakao appreciated the strong support of the Philippines as ADB’s host country since 1966 and thanked the government and its people for the excellent arrangements and warm hospitality. He highlighted Strategy 2030 which is in the consultation process, ADB’s achievements in 2017, continued solid growth of Asian economies, and impacts of new technologies on jobs.
In his remarks, Mr. Nakao said Strategy 2030 will address existing and emerging challenges. “There is still persistent poverty,” said Mr. Nakao. “We must address rising inequality, growing environmental pressures, and rapid urbanization. Aging in some countries and an increasing youth population in others present opportunities as well as challenges.” Strategy 2030 will be aligned with the international agenda, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Strategy 2030 will have 10 priorities: (1) tackle remaining poverty and increasing inequalities in Asia and the Pacific; (2) accelerate progress in gender equality; (3) scale up support to combat climate change, build climate and disaster resilience, and enhance environmental sustainability; (4) build livable cities that are competitive, green, resilient, and inclusive; (5) promote rural development and food security; (6) strengthen governance; (7) foster regional cooperation and integration; (8) mobilize private sector resources to meet the region’s huge development financing needs; (9) further strengthen ADB’s role as a provider and facilitator of knowledge; and (10) pursue a stronger, better, and faster ADB.
“We will continue to use our financial resources efficiently and creatively,” Mr. Nakao said. “We will invest in our workforce, promote diversity including gender balance, and ensure a respectful workplace. We will expand our presence on the ground. We will dramatically modernize business processes to speed up our services to clients.
“A One ADB approach will break down silos and bring together expertise across ADB,” he added./.