By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editor in Milan, Italy
In a very personalised appeal to the 69 members of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the new President, Masato Kanda highlighted trust as a fundamental leadership value that will guide his work and that of the ADB across the Asia Pacific region.
Reflecting on his first few moths in office, President Kanda emphasised that while the region faces a complex web of challenges – from climate change to economic uncertainty, ADB’s ability to deliver meaningful results rests on essential foundation: trust.
“Trust is something we appreciate, we need to build, and we must maintain,” Kanda said. “We will work with governments, the private sector, civil society, and partner institutions to ensure we remain their most trusted partner.”
Speaking before 5,000 delegates at the opening address at the 58th ADB Annual Meeting in the Italian city of Milan Monday, President Kanda stressed that trust must be earned through humility and tangible contribution.
He said ADB’s role is not just to fund projects but to listen to communities, respect local insights, and deliver lasting impact, particularly for the poor, women, and the most vulnerable.
He recounted his first official visit to Cambodia, where he met coastal families adopting sustainable fishing practices and visited a high school receiving ADB support. These experiences, he said, reaffirmed the power of trust built through community engagement and practical results.
“I saw our contribution in action,” Kanda said. “And I felt the trust of the people we aim to serve—from the Prime Minister to local community members.”
The ADB President’s remarks came as the institution unveiled plans to expand its operations by 50 percent over the next decade, made possible by US$100 billion in additional financial headroom. But Kanda was clear: growth must be matched by integrity and accountability.
“Development finance must not only be effective—it must be trusted,” he said, highlighting ADB’s commitment to strong safeguards, transparent disclosures, and policy dialogue.
Trust, he concluded, is not a soft ideal but a hard currency of development success. It enables long-term partnerships, accelerates reform, and anchors the institution’s efforts to transform the region for future generations.
“If we act boldly, work together, and stay true to our values,” he said, “we will build a region that is more prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.”
When I assumed office in February, I brought with me a sense of optimism about the future of Asia and the Pacific. And over the past few months, as I have traveled and witnessed the energy and determination of the region’s people, that optimism has grown stronger.
The path ahead is not without challenges. External shocks, debt burdens, and climate change weigh heavily on many economies, while the pace of technological change and shifting global dynamics add to the layers of complexity.
“But we need to see those challenges as opportunities to change. And we need to recognise that in every corner of the region, there is extraordinary resilience. That is why we are here today: to seize opportunities, enhance resilience, and build a better tomorrow, together.”
The Asia and the Pacific region is rich with potential and the with the right actions, the ADB can ensure that this potential translates into lasting progress.
“Uncertainty is not a reason for retreat. It is a call for action. It challenges us to be bolder, to move faster, and to work more closely than ever before.
“We must seize the opportunity to transform lives and build a brighter future for the next generation, said Kanda.
The ADB Annual Meeting continues in Milan this week, with sessions focusing on food security, digital transformation, climate resilience, and private sector growth—all areas where trust between institutions and communities will be key to progress.
