The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced on 2 July 2026 the establishment of a subregional office to support its expanding operations in the North Pacific, according to a press release. The North Pacific Subregional Office will be located in Pohnpei, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and will upgrade the bank’s existing FSM Pacific Country Office. The move reinforces ADB’s commitment to its Pacific developing member countries (DMCs) as a partner for growth, development, and resilience. The office is expected to be operational by the end of 2026 and will be led by a regional director. It marks a step toward deeper engagement across the North Pacific.
The North Pacific comprises geographically dispersed, small, open economies that are highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, disasters, and economic shocks. Addressing these challenges requires consistent on-the-ground interactions with governments and development partners. ADB is a leading development partner in the Pacific and, since 1990, a key partner of the North Pacific DMCs. Its work has supported efforts to boost economic growth, public service delivery, and resilient development. The new subregional office builds on decades of engagement in the region.
The office will help deepen engagement with governments, the private sector, development partners, regional organizations, and civil society across the FSM, the Marshall Islands, and Palau. It will strengthen project preparation and implementation, portfolio performance management, and policy dialogue. It will also expand capacity-building assistance and emergency response for the North Pacific DMCs. As of 31 March 2026, ADB had cumulatively committed $841.11 million to its North Pacific DMCs, including support from the Asian Development Fund. Its active public sector portfolio comprised 34 projects worth $320.5 million as of 31 December 2025, with further growth expected in the coming years.
In June, ADB provided a $500,000 grant to the FSM government to support recovery efforts following Typhoon Sinlaku, which affected 34,000 people across 42 municipalities. ADB Director General for the Pacific Emma Veve highlighted the significance of the new office.
“The North Pacific Subregional Office will bolster delivery of ADB’s growing assistance, tailored to help solve the complex development challenges faced by this part of the Pacific region,” she said. She added that “ADB’s stronger presence in the North Pacific will help to unlock more public and private financing for development, while deepening partnerships and regional cooperation to build resilience and prosperity.”
Her remarks underscored the office’s operational and strategic objectives.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. It works with its members and partners to solve complex challenges through innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships. Its mission includes transforming lives, building quality infrastructure, and safeguarding the planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, 50 of which are from the region. The North Pacific Subregional Office represents the latest expansion of its footprint in the Pacific.
