During the opening session of the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) 59th Annual Meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, President Masato Kanda called for enhanced regional cooperation and connectivity across Asia and the Pacific. He stressed that traditional development approaches are insufficient in the face of growing economic and geopolitical shocks that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. Kanda urged nations to collaborate in building integrated and resilient systems to secure a better future for the next generation.

The ADB has committed to scaling up investments, having provided $29.3 billion in financial support last year. Kanda announced a comprehensive $70 billion program aimed at strengthening regional resilience, which includes a $50 billion initiative to develop a Pan-Asia Power Grid for renewable energy integration and a $20 billion plan to enhance cross-border digital connectivity.

Amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia, Kanda warned of potential disruptions that could lead to increased energy prices and dampened economic activity. Projections indicate that growth in developing Asia and the Pacific may slow to 4.7% this year, with inflation expected to rise to 5.2%. Kanda reaffirmed ADB's commitment to being an anchor of stability in the region, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing private sector investment and addressing environmental challenges.