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Haruhiko Kuroda
President
Asian Development Bank

ADB’s 40th Anniversary (Morning Function)
19 December 2006
Auditorium, ADB Headquarters

Your Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines; Members of the Board; colleagues; ladies and gentlemen. It is my privilege to welcome you today to the celebration of ADB’s 40th anniversary. On behalf of all my colleagues, let me first extend our heartfelt gratitude and special thanks to President Macapagal-Arroyo for gracing this special occasion with her presence. Mabuhay.

As we all know, ADB was born in 1966 out of a desire to promote the harmonious growth of the Asia and Pacific region as a whole. From the unleashing of the “Asian Tiger” economies… to the emergence of the People’s Republic of China and India as regional and global economic giants… to the recent quickening of growth in much of Asia, including the Philippines... ADB has been here to finance, advise and support each developing Asian economy in pursuit of a better standard of living for all.

A milestone anniversary like this one is an excellent time to pay tribute to the people who have dedicated themselves to this noble endeavor. People who have come from around the world to make the Philippines their home, and to make a difference in Asia and the Pacific. And our Filipino staff whose vital contributions sustain the heart and lifeblood of ADB. To all our staff – past and present – I extend my deepest thanks for your time, your skills, your innovations, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to an Asia and Pacific free of poverty.

With your contributions, the Asia and Pacific region has made tremendous progress in economic growth and poverty reduction. ADB has supported this progress by assisting our developing member countries with agricultural and industrial development, financial sector development, trade facilitation, transport and telecommunications infrastructure, education and health, and more.

With two thirds of the world’s poor living in Asia, we know much work still remains to be done. And, as we have done throughout our history, ADB will continue to be a strong and dedicated partner, helping our developing member countries through good times and bad.

Today’s momentum of growth provides the means to extend the benefits of growth much more widely – to include the poor in the region’s widening circle of opportunity and hope. To ensure that all citizens have access to education and health services, safe water, and other essentials of life. This is crucial for sustaining the region’s growth and social stability.

Poverty reduction is our overarching goal. We have worked to ensure that all of our assistance reflects this focus. In 2006, we reiterated this commitment in our second medium-term strategy – known within ADB as MTSII – which will guide our operations until 2008. A key component of MTS II is the emphasis on strengthening inclusiveness, which will enable disadvantaged groups to benefit equitably from the opportunities provided by the development process.

ADB has grown up alongside developing Asia, expanding its role in areas like environmental management, clean energy, and private sector development, to reflect Asia’s evolving needs. This year we also adopted a regional cooperation and integration strategy to help accelerate development through collective action. We are confident in the region’s bright future.

Because this is our home, we at ADB have a special bond with the Filipino people. Your Excellency, President Macapagal-Arroyo, on behalf of all my colleagues I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have suffered, and who continue to suffer in the wake of the recent typhoons and landslides. Our hearts go out to them in their time of need.

President Arroyo, we are truly grateful to the Philippines for not only being one of ADB’s founding members but also graciously hosting ADB over the past 40 years. This special partnership of the Philippines and ADB has been sustained and has grown from strength to strength.

Madame President, we would like to express through you our deepest appreciation to the Filipino people, who through their warmth and hospitality have enriched our lives immeasurably in our home away from home. The Philippines is a beautiful country, and we hope that ADB can continue to help make a difference in the lives of Filipinos.

Maraming salamat po.