Delegates gather in Yokohama, Japan for ADB's 50th annual meeting

Finance and development ministers, central bank governors, other senior government officials, business executives, journalists, academics, and representatives from civil society, development organizations, and youth from the Asia and Pacific region started arriving today at Pacifico Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan for the 50th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Board of Governors. Over 5,000 delegates, including from North America and Europe, are expected to attend the meeting from 4 to 7 May.

Operating under the theme of “Building Together the Prosperity of Asia”, this year’s Annual Meeting will focus on the region’s growing need for infrastructure as a critical sector towards achieving sustainable and inclusive development. Discussions on how to address urban challenges and strive for clean and climate-resilient development will be held.

The flagship Governors’ Seminar on 5 May will discuss reforms in trade, investment, and finance, as well as lessons learned from the past 50 years of development in the region. A special book launch, as part of ADB’s 50th anniversary celebrations, will be held on 4 May to discuss and share ADB’s role and future direction. Key sessions will discuss salient issues central to development including rising inequality, macroeconomic stability, progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, and financial inclusion. The Annual Meeting will highlight the role of the private sector in supporting development programs in Asia and the Pacific through seminars focused on public-private partnerships and co-financing.

Host country, Japan, will hold several events including discussions on lessons from the Asian financial crisis 20 years later, and a youth event focused on reducing poverty and fostering inclusive economic growth.