Asia Takes Flight

Transcript

At the heart of Asia's growth is a hidden energy driving the continent - from the Himalayas to the world's fastest cities.

Asia's citizens are modern-day birds of passage, searching for growth and opportunity in the winds. The soaring ambition of the individual will write the pages of the continent's future.

A story, shaped by recovery, resilience, and the digital revolution: Asia is changing beyond recognition. Taking a bird's eye view of its changing landscape may help us understand the scale of its evolution.

Yet, at ground level, how can we truly understand the impact of modernization?

At the Asian Development Bank, we believe in finding a common purpose across the great continent we've helped grow for more than 50 years. A value system that bonds distant nations together, helping society create a level playing field where everyone benefits from economic growth.

Billions of us already walked this same path of hope. Everywhere in today's Asia, we still see ancient faith. Everywhere we witness nations in thrall of the modern megacity. Yet at this crossroads in time, we also see the most vulnerable left behind.

Asia will be more affected by urbanization and climate change than any other continent.

We plan to react to our changing planet. ADB is significantly scaling up its climate financing helping to protect coastal regions like Sri Lanka where worsening weather cycles threaten lives and livelihood. 

We must also continue to develop infrastructure like roads and bridges. Not just in cities, but the most remote islands.

We must also embrace the rise of the 21st century religion: technology.

At ADB, we believe the digital era offers Asia's greatest hope of equality. Democratizing education and giving billions access to unlimited knowledge.

Technology is already making the young Asians the smartest children in history. All of our futures will depend on their humble journey to school and their freedom to shape the world in their image. Helping Asia take flight.