Masato Kanda

Dagva and Zulaa welcomed me into their home on Mongolia’s grasslands this past September, with a warm cup of milk tea and a remarkable story of resilience.

After losing their herd to a devastating winter, they rebuilt their livelihood from just six animals. Watch their story.

I was delighted to welcome H.E. Kaan Esener, Türkiye’s new Ambassador to the Philippines, to ADB Headquarters and congratulate him on his appointment.

The ADB-Türkiye partnership is strong and growing. This year we have approved about $2.75 billion in public and private sector projects in Türkiye and we expect about $3 billion in annual commitments over the 2026–2027 period. Also, our new Country Director, Keiju Mitsuhashi, recently arrived in Ankara and we look forward to opening a permanent office in 2027.

I commend Türkiye’s leadership in hosting COP31, where next week I’ll be leading ADB’s delegation.

ADB’s $11.7 million grant for the Marshall Islands reflects my determination to stand with communities facing rising fuel and food costs linked to the Middle East conflict.

In an island nation dependent on imported fuel, rising prices strain households and public services. Our grant includes $6.7 million in additional financing to help the government respond. We are also supporting reforms to strengthen tax collection, improve public spending, and sustain essential services.

With the generous support of our ADF donors, we are helping the Marshall Islands meet today’s challenges while building greater control over its financial future.

News release: adb.org/news/adb-appro…

I am deeply encouraged to see our $47 million ADF investment building essential tourism infrastructure in the Lao PDR without adding to national debt.

In Vang Vieng, the upgraded Western Loop road now connects up to 2,000 visitors daily to Poukham Cave, raising local household incomes and creating sustainable livelihoods.

Together with our generous ADF donors, we are building the foundations for lasting growth. Learn more: adb.org/news/features/…

I am pleased to launch ADB’s Operational Approach for Revitalizing Regional Cooperation and Integration to raise productivity through deeper economic integration and build resilience against risks that cross borders.

With rising trade barriers and geopolitical tensions, retreating inward will not protect us. We must double down on cooperation.

By 2030, 30% of ADB’s committed operations will contribute to regional cooperation and integration. We will put ADB’s financing, expertise, partnerships, and convening power to work to turn shared plans into bankable projects.

News release: adb.org/news/adb-targe…