MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Over 3,000 finance and development ministers, central bank governors, and other government officials, business leaders, investors, journalists, and representatives from civil society will gather on 2-5 May at the Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany, for the 49th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Board of Governors.
The theme of the 2016 Annual Meeting is “Cooperating for Sustainability” and the focus will be on closer Asian and European linkages to support sustainable development. The event, being held in the largest financial center in continental Europe, will also showcase Germany’s own strategy for developing sustainably.
The flagship Governors’ Seminar will examine the factors causing the current global growth slowdown and the structural reforms needed to address constraints and put the world back on a path toward sustained growth.
A joint seminar with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will look at growing financial links between Asia and Europe, and how the current benefits can be expanded and risks mitigated. The topic is timely given concerns about the rapid flow-on effects of financial shocks on countries and regions around the world.
Other panels will assess what’s needed to deliver green, livable cities for the future, the finance and technology required to build resilience to climate change, the steps needed to strengthen Asia-Europe trade and investment, and actions required to produce high quality jobs in developing Asia to support more inclusive growth. See schedule.
An awards ceremony will also be held with ADB’s private sector clients, highlighting examples of innovative business practices that have improved the lives of the poor. The event, supported by broadcaster CNBC, will include a panel discussion featuring a diverse group of private sector companies and bankers on how to create and fund businesses that provide goods, services and jobs to lower-income people.
Another feature of this year’s Annual Meeting will be a “City of Sustainability” exhibition, showcasing examples of creative cooperation to resolve urban problems. Participants will be able to take part in interactive exhibits and meet top German experts on urban planning to learn how to make cities more livable.
The ADB Annual Meeting is a sustainable event, and for the first time in Frankfurt 2016, it will be carbon neutral. ADB received ISO 20121 certification in 2015 for implementing an event sustainability program. ADB partners with the host country to assess and improve the environmental, social and economic aspects of the event.
Members of the media who have been invited are reminded to register online to confirm their attendance. The deadline for online registration for delegates requiring a visa to Germany is 20 April 2016.
For customs regulations, all registered journalists are required to carry a list of media equipment brought to the Annual Meeting and to make a declaration stating that the equipment will be returned to the country of origin. For portable equipment, an oral customs declaration is sufficient. If you plan to bring a large amount of equipment, contact the German Organizing Committee through Franziska Grumbach at [email protected].
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members—48 from the region.
