ADB President Champions ASEAN Cooperation, Private Capital at WEF 2026

Davos, Switzerland – Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda highlighted regional cooperation and private sector investment. He spoke at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026. This event marked ADB’s return to Davos after six years. Kanda stressed Asia and the Pacific’s path. They are choosing deeper regional ties. This fosters shared prosperity. It also builds lasting stability. Global fragmentation is not a certainty. It is a policy choice, he stated.

Bridging Policy and Capital

Unlocking the region’s potential requires more. Public funds alone are insufficient. Kanda emphasized this point. We must bridge policy frameworks. We must connect them to private capital. Strong ideas need to become investable projects. This alignment is crucial for growth. ADB aims to facilitate this connection. It seeks to create favorable investment conditions.

Launch of New Advisory Group

A key outcome of the forum was announced. ADB launched a new strategic body. It is the High-Level Private Sector Advisory Group. This group will guide ADB’s strategy. It focuses on harnessing private investment. Sustainable growth is a primary goal. Resilience and digital transformation are also priorities. The group will identify market bottlenecks. It will recommend concrete actions. These actions aim to scale up institutional capital. Distinguished global business leaders form this group. They include executives from BNP Paribas, Franklin Templeton, and Tata Sons. Their insights will shape ADB’s approach.

Fostering ASEAN’s Future

Kanda actively participated in WEF sessions. He focused on ASEAN’s progress. He joined a public panel. It was titled “Is ASEAN Moving Fast Enough?”. Kanda noted that momentum requires action. Digital infrastructure is a key challenge. Energy security is also vital. These issues are interconnected. He also spoke at a private session. It explored “New Pathways for ASEAN Growth and Productivity”. Kanda reaffirmed ADB’s commitment. ADB will support the ASEAN Power Grid. The bank plans to commit up to $10 billion. This support spans the next decade.

ADB’s Growing Role

ADB serves as a major development bank. It supports inclusive growth. It promotes resilience and sustainability. Its private sector operations are expanding. In 2024, ADB committed a record amount. It saw 58 private sector transactions. Total commitments reached $8 billion. This represents a significant increase. Private sector operations now account for 30% of ADB’s work. This demonstrates its growing influence.

A Global Economic Landscape

The WEF 2026 convened amid global challenges. Geopolitical tensions are rising. Protectionism is also a concern. Many leaders discussed economic fragmentation. They debated how to maintain cooperation. Kanda’s message offered a different perspective. He advocated for regional collaboration. This path offers shared prosperity. It is a foundation for stability. ADB’s engagement at the forum underscores its strategic direction. It prioritizes private sector participation. This focus aims to drive development. Asia and the Pacific are poised for future growth. The recent news from Davos highlights this outlook.