BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 22. The President of
the Asian Development Bank (Asian Development Bank), Masato Kanda,
has announced his intention to seek reelection for a new five-year
term after his current mandate ends on 23 November 2026, Trend
reports via the Bank.


Kanda said the bank continues to serve as a “pillar of
stability” for developing member countries across Asia and the
Pacific amid a challenging global development environment marked by
multiple and overlapping shocks. He noted that, if reelected, his
priority would be to accelerate urgent action to address current
regional challenges while supporting long-term development for
future generations.


ADB presidents are nominated by regional member countries and
elected by the Board of Governors for five-year terms. Kanda was
elected in November 2024 and assumed office in February 2025 to
complete the remaining term of his predecessor.


Under his leadership, ADB reported record-scale operations in
2025, committing $29.3 billion from its own resources—an increase
of 20% compared to 2024. Including partner contributions of $14.7
billion, total development financing reached $44 billion.


The bank advanced several major regional initiatives, including
$10 billion for the ASEAN Power Grid, over $10 billion for the
CAREC Program, and the establishment of a Regional Connectivity
Fund. ADB also allocated $14 billion toward its $40 billion food
systems transformation agenda and provided support for the
Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 Chairmanship.







In crisis response, ADB said it was the first multilateral
development bank to announce support for the Middle East conflict
and delivered rapid assistance for disasters across Afghanistan,
Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Viet
Nam.


During the period, the bank also introduced key policy and
institutional reforms, including updates to its energy policy
allowing support for nuclear power for the first time, a new
Environmental and Social Framework, procurement reforms, and a
landmark agreement with the World Bank Group to rely on each
other’s systems in co-financed sovereign projects.


Additional reforms included the first-ever amendment to ADB’s
Charter in its 60-year history, enabling a 50% expansion in
operations, as well as a new Strategic Human Resource Framework
aimed at strengthening institutional agility and effectiveness.