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Annual Report 2003

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2003 in Review: Board of Directors' Report

With the strong support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asia and Pacific region has continued its progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 (see page 36). Overall poverty rates in the region have fallen, and growth has continued. Many of ADB’s members have made investments in health and nutrition that have reduced maternal and child mortality rates and lowered the incidence of communicable diseases.

Yet challenges remain, and enormous efforts are still required. Women and girls do not always benefit equally with males from social services. Cross-border public health problems continue to take a toll on families and nations. Diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria are major causes and effects of poverty in the region as is the lack of access to safe water and to sanitation. Although employment is a principal means to escape from poverty, many of the poorest and most vulnerable people, including the elderly, female heads of households, and people with special challenges, are unable to work.

In 2003, global and regional uncertainties directly and indirectly influenced ADB’s daily activities. The reconstruction of Afghanistan continued, the war in Iraq created uncertainty around the region, and the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) had a heavy impact on the economies of many ADB members. Furthermore, growth prospects for industrial economies during the first half of the year were subdued.

While the goal of reducing poverty continued to guide its operations, ADB also responded quickly to the urgent needs of its developing member countries¹ (DMCs). Emergency lending in 2003 included loans to Afghanistan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Sri Lanka. ADB acted swiftly to assist the region in responding to the SARS outbreak by preparing emergency technical assistance as well as providing technical assistance to the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

ADB also faced internal challenges and opportunities. ADB personnel continued to adapt to the new organizational structure and to new business processes; extensive reviews of both were completed with recommendations to further improve the efficiency of operations. A staff engagement survey pointed out specific issues and concerns that ADB began addressing in 2003 with the preparation of the new human resource strategy.

Recognizing these complex issues, the Board of Directors supported ADB Management and staff in their efforts to improve institutional effectiveness and internal governance and to demonstrate development impact.

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