ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.
Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
ORGANIZATION
ACCOUNTABILITY
ADB supports projects in developing member countries that create economic and development impact, delivered through both public and private sector operations, advisory services, and knowledge support.
How We're Organized
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
Masatsugu Asakawa
Masatsugu Asakawa is the President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Chairperson of ADB’s Board of Directors. He was elected President by ADB’s Board of Governors and assumed office on 17 January 2020.
President Asakawa discusses regional prospects with Scott Morris, Center for Global DevelopmentPresident Masatsugu Asakawa on 3 November 2022 met with Scott Morris, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development. They discussed regional growth prospects in the context of the current economic headwinds—in particular the steep increase in food and energy prices, and tighter monetary policy in developed economies—and underlying structural challenges, including climate change, aging populations, and infrastructure deficits. Mr. Morris applauded ADB’s swift response during the COVID-19 pandemic. President Masa highlighted ADB’s enhanced climate ambition, and also emphasized the importance of enhancing domestic resource mobilization in Asia and the Pacific. Mr. Morris met with the Board members and exchanged views on ADB’s COVID-19 response and possible future pathways. He also met ADB Managing Director General Woochong Um, ADB Strategy and Policy Department Director General Tomoyuki Kimura, and other staff.
ADB, ROK sign MOU for 2023 ADB Annual Meeting; President Asakawa joins first World Bio Summit in KoreaPresident Masatsugu Asakawa and the Republic of Korea's (ROK) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance and ADB Governor Kyungho Choo on 26 October signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the hosting of the 56th Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors to be held in Incheon from 2 to 5 May 2023. During his 24-26 October mission, along with ED Sangmin Ryu, MDG Woochong, and The Secretary Khan, he also met with the Financial Services Commission Chairperson Joo-hyun Kim and the Export-Import Bank of Korea Chairperson and President Hee-sung Yoon to discuss ongoing collaboration between ADB and the two institutions.
On 25 October, President Asakawa joined ROK President Yoon Suk-yeol, Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari, Viet Nam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, WHO Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus, and former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the first World Bio Summit. In his congratulatory message, President Asakawa highlighted ADB’s role in responding to the COVID-19 crisis and preparing countries to address future pandemics and underscored several key needs, including vaccine manufacturing, health workforce skilling, robust medical regulatory systems, and the ability to detect and stop future health threats.
President Asakawa meets with US government officials, IFI heads, leaders; attends G20 meeting in Washington, DCDuring a mission on 12-15 October to Washington, DC, President Masatsugu Asakawa met with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and discussed ADB’s innovative efforts around climate finance and ways to deepen US-ADB climate partnerships. He also met with US Assistant Secretary of Treasury for International Trade and Development Alexia Latortue and discussed climate finance, ADB’s Safeguard Policy update, and support for Afghanistan. The President participated in the G20 4th Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (FMCGB) and held meetings with World Bank President David Malpass, UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, COP26 President Alok Sharma, and heads of the multilateral and regional development banks. President Asakawa discussed ADB efforts to respond to global crises such as food security and climate change, with a focus on partnerships. He also held bilateral meetings with leaders from ADB's developing members including Indonesia, Kyrgyz Republic, and Pakistan.
The ADB Board of Governors concluded the second stage of the Business Session on 29 September 2022 and approved the remaining agenda items from the first stage last 5 May. For the first time since 2019, the Governors were able to meet in person and provide guidance and direction to the institution through Governors’ statements. President Masatsugu Asakawa provided the Management’s report to Governors on the progress since the previous meeting and shared Management’s key organizational messages with the Governors. Read the President's remarks. Watch the proceedings.
Governors discuss multi-dimensional pathway to inclusive green growthPresident Masatsugu Asakawa, along with the Governors from Finland, Japan, Philippines, and Samoa, discussed practical solutions to mitigate current challenges and chart a path for green and sustainable growth at the Governors' Seminar on 29 September 2022. The speakers discussed the multi-dimensional pathway to inclusive and sustainable green growth, requiring both institutional reforms and innovative financing for more resilient infrastructure. They noted the sustaining momentum on climate change, poverty, and gender requires new digital tools and technology. They emphasized a shift in mindset is needed to recognize that challenges are interrelated, and that short-term responses and strategic medium-term priorities are not mutually exclusive. Watch the recording.
ADB Approves $18.9 Million for Rollout of COVID-19 Vaccines in the Pacific
ADB has approved $18.9 million in grants to help four developing member countries in the Pacific roll out safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
$50 Million ADB Grant to Support COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout in Afghanistan
The Asian Development Bank today approved a $50 million grant to help the Government of Afghanistan procure and deploy safe, high-quality COVID-19 vaccines, and strengthen the country’s capacity to implement its vaccine program.
ADB, AFD Reaffirm Strong Cooperation in Key Sectors, Including Climate Action
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (14 April 2021) — Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masatsugu Asakawa in a call today with Agence Française de Développement Group (AFD) Chief Executive Officer Rémy Rioux reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between the two institutions, particularly on key issues such as climate change and aspirations for COP26.
$450 Million ADB Loan to Help Indonesia Deliver Safe and Effective COVID-19 Vaccines
The Asian Development Bank has approved a $450 million loan to Indonesia to help Bio Farma, a state-owned vaccine supplier, procure and deliver safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Access to Climate Finance is Critical to Put Climate Actions at Center of Development and Recovery
The Asian Development Bank called access to climate finance a key priority for Asia and the Pacific as governments design and implement a green and resilient recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Green Investments, Revenue Mobilization, Big Data Key to Southeast Asia’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery
Southeast Asian countries can benefit from investments in green infrastructure, digital transformation, big data, and revenue mobilization through tax reform as the region recovers from the pandemic, said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa.
New Focus on SDGs Needed to Rebuild After COVID-19, Says ADB Report
A renewed focus on achieving SDGs will be essential as countries seek to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, says ADB’s first report showcasing its contributions to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
$400 Million ADB Loan to Help the Philippines Purchase COVID-19 Vaccines
The Philippines today became the first recipient of financing support under ADB's Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility with approval of a $400 million loan that will help the country purchase safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19.
ADB Provides $25 Million to Help Philippines Procure COVID-19 Vaccines
The Asian Development Bank has allocated $25 million to help the Philippine government purchase vaccines for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 2021.
Water Security a Top Priority in COVID-19 Recovery, Says ADB Report
Economies of Asia and the Pacific must put water security at the top of their agenda to recover from the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and adapt to climate change, according to a new flagship report released by ADB.
Asia and the Pacific Transport Forum 2020 - Masatsugu Asakawa
Opening remarks by Masatsugu Asakawa, President, Asian Development Bank, at the Asia and the Pacific Transport Forum 2020, 24 August 2020
The International Online Conference to Address Water-related Disaster Risk Reduction under the COVID-19 Pandemic - Masatsugu Asakawa
Speech by Masatsugu Asakawa, President, Asian Development Bank, 20 August 2020
Country Directors Forum: Strengthening Resident Missions in Extraordinary Times - Masatsugu Asakawa
Remarks by Masatsugu Asakawa, President, Asian Development Bank at the 2020 ADB Country Directors Forum, 17 August 2020
IEA Clean Energy Transitions Summit: Towards a Sustainable Recovery - Masatsugu Asakawa
Speech by Masatsugu Asakawa, President, Asian Development Bank at the International Energy Agency (IEA) Clean Energy Transitions Summit, 9 July 2020
Climate Finance and the Path to Recovery: Supporting Clean Energy in Asia and the Pacific amid the Challenges of COVID-19 - Masatsugu Asakawa
Opening remarks by Masatsugu Asakawa, President, Asian Development Bank at the Asia Clean Energy Forum 2020, 16 June 2020
Leading the Response and Recovery of Asia and the Pacific through Decisive Action, Country Presence, and Financial Strength - Masatsugu Asakawa
Remarks by Masatsugu Asakawa, President, Asian Development Bank at the 53rd ADB Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors Business Session, 22 May 2020
International Women’s Day - Masatsugu Asakawa
Opening remarks by Masatsugu Asakawa, President, Asian Development Bank on International Women’s Day, 11 March 2020 in ADB headquarters, Manila, Philippines
Opening Remarks at the Book Launch for Indonesia and the Asian Development Bank: Fifty Years of Partnership – Masatsugu Asakawa
Remarks on the book launch for Indonesia and the Asian Development Bank: Fifty Years of Partnership, delivered by President Asakawa at the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia, 2 March 2020
Leading through Global Influence and Strong Country Presence: My Vision for ADB as the Partner of Choice for Asia and the Pacific - Masatsugu Asakawa
Town Hall Address to ADB Staff by Masatsugu Asakawa, President, Asian Development Bank, at ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines, 5 February 2020
Masatsugu Asakawa is the President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Chairperson of ADB’s Board of Directors. He was elected President by ADB’s Board of Governors and assumed office on 17 January 2020. In August 2021, he was reelected for a 5-year term starting on 24 November 2021.
Under Mr. Asakawa’s leadership, ADB made significant contributions to the region’s COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery planning with a $20 billion comprehensive response package and $9 billion Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility. He also played a key role in rolling out a series of new and innovative financing initiatives—including an Energy Transition Mechanism — to spur the region’s low-carbon development and elevated ADB’s 2030 cumulative climate financing ambition to $100 billion as ADB continues to focus on the battle against climate change.
Prior to joining ADB, he served as Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and has a close-to-four decades’ career at the Ministry of Finance with diverse professional experience that cuts across both domestic and international fronts.
In the immediate aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis, Mr. Asakawa, in his capacity as Executive Assistant to Prime Minister Taro Aso, took part in the first G20 Leaders’ Summit Meeting in November 2008. He was instrumental in orchestrating a globally coordinated financial package to abate the financial crisis, including a $100 billion loan from Japan to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Then in 2016, in his capacity as Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs, he took on a leading role for the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ meeting in Sendai under the Japanese presidency, where a sustainable and inclusive development agenda was extensively discussed.
Most recently, he served as Finance Deputy for the G20 meetings under the Japanese presidency, playing a pivotal role for the success of the G20 Osaka Summit as well as the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ meeting in Fukuoka. Some of his outstanding achievements in Osaka include the endorsement by the G20 Leaders of the “G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment” and the “G20 Shared Understanding on the Importance of UHC Financing in Developing Countries”. Before these, he had occupied various prominent positions within the Finance Ministry, including director positions in charge of development policy issues, foreign exchange markets, and international tax policy.
Mr. Asakawa’s professional experience extends beyond the realms of the Japanese government. Most notably, he served as Chief Advisor to ADB President Kimimasa Tarumizu between 1989 and 1992, during which time he spearheaded the creation of a new office focused on strategic planning. Also, he had frequent engagement with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in such positions as Chair for Committee on Fiscal Affairs (2011–2016). Furthermore, he was a senior staff at the Fiscal Affairs Department of the IMF (1996–2000). In the meantime, he gave lectures as Visiting Professor at the Graduate School of Economic Science, Saitama University (2006–2009), and at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo (2012–2015).
Mr. Asakawa obtained his BA from University of Tokyo (Economics Faculty) in 1981, and MPA from Princeton University, USA, in 1985.
President in the News
- ADB approves 350 million USD loan to help support Sri Lanka's economic stabilization
- M'sia intends to explore working with ADB on energy, climate change, says Anwar
- ADB reworking capital adequacy norms to boost lending resources
- ADB, Korea pacts seen boosting PPPs in climate and digital tech, infra development
- ADB president calls for new climate change financing framework
- Development no longer possible without effective climate action: ADB president
- South Korea and ADB team up for climate change tech hub
- ADB announces funding plan for Asian efforts to combat climate change
- ADB’s new climate program to offer up to $15 billion in loans
- Asian Development Bank calls on countries to fight protectionism as US-China ties sour
