ADB AM 2025: ADB President calls for collective action to tackle regional challenges

Milan hosted the Opening Session of the Board of Governors. The event marks the official start of the Annual Meeting. In his opening remarks, ADB President Masato Kanda emphasized the need for collective action to address the ongoing challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region.

Held in Milan, the event brought together more than 5,000 participants, including government leaders, private sector representatives, and civil society members (КАДР: участники собираются в зале). To start off the official session, the governors and other officials, gathered for a group photo.

Kanda highlighted the significant external shocks, rising debt burdens, and the growing impacts of climate change that are straining economies and communities across the region. However, he urged optimism, stating that these challenges also present an opportunity to build a more resilient and stable future.

The ADB President stressed that, despite these difficulties, the region’s growth remains resilient. He pointed to the deepening trade and economic integration, the diversification of supply chains, and the accelerating pace of digital connectivity and innovation as positive signs for the future.

Kanda outlined the ADB’s commitment to focus on four critical areas aimed at driving transformative change across the region. The bank plans to increase funding for food systems transformation to $40 billion by 2030 in an effort to tackle the vulnerability of food systems in the region. Additionally, ADB will invest in digital technologies to expand access to education, financial services, and markets. Another major initiative is the expansion of energy connectivity, with ADB pledging up to $10 billion to support efforts on the ASEAN power grid. Lastly, the ADB will scale up investments in climate resilience, focusing on strengthening infrastructure, protecting ecosystems, and helping vulnerable communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The opening session also featured remarks from Italy’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Giancarlo Giorgetti, and Fabio Panetta, Governor of the Bank of Italy and Chair of the ADB Board of Governors. Both leaders underscored the importance of Italy’s partnership with ADB in fostering long-term economic growth and mitigating regional risks.

In addition to these initiatives, ADB reaffirmed its commitment to scaling private sector development. The bank aims to quadruple private sector financing to $13 billion per year by 2030.

To mark the official opening, the event showcased a number of performances.