WASHINGTON, DC (17 October 2025) — Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to deepening partnerships and advancing multilateral collaboration during engagements with key development partners on the sidelines of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.
“We value the trust built with ADB’s developing members and partners. Our cooperation enables transformative investments that lay the groundwork for sustainable and inclusive growth,” said Mr. Kanda.
At the meeting of the Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), Mr. Kanda joined fellow leaders to review joint progress and express ADB’s commitment to collective action ahead of ADB assuming the chair of the MDB Heads Group in 2026. At a subsequent meeting, Mr. Kanda met with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga to strengthen their partnership.
Mr. Kanda also held bilateral meetings with Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad and Nepal Minister of Finance Rameshore Khanal to strengthen cooperation and align development priorities. During his meeting with Mr. Khanal, he expressed his condolences for lives lost during the recent unrest in Nepal and commended the government’s continued commitment to reform.
In separate meetings, Mr. Kanda expressed appreciation for ongoing support and explored further collaboration with Australia Treasurer Jim Chalmers; New Zealand Minister of Finance Nicola Willis; United Kingdom Minister of State for International Development and Africa Baroness Chapman of Darlington; France Treasury Director General Bertrand Dumont; and United States Acting Undersecretary for International Affairs Francis Brooke. Discussions focused on private sector development and capital mobilization, resilient and quality infrastructure, and stronger operational coordination.
Mr. Kanda also met with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi amid renewed global interest in nuclear energy. They explored how best to help ADB’s developing member countries build the skills, capacity, and enabling environment needed for safe and sustainable nuclear power, guided by IAEA’s Milestones Approach.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
