ADB president seeks second term

MANILA, Philippines — Asian Development Bank (ADB) president Masato Kanda has announced his intention to serve for a second term amid a challenging global environment.

In a statement, Kanda announced his intention for reelection after his term ends on Nov. 23.

“In this time of radical transformation where the development landscape is threatened by multiple, compounding shocks, the ADB provides an anchor of stability for our developing member countries in Asia and the Pacific,” Kanda said.

“With the trust of our partners, it would be my honor to continue leading ADB for the next five years. If reelected, my foremost priority will be urgent action to protect our region against the challenges of today, while we build a brighter future for the next generation,” he said.

ADB presidents serve a five-year term and are  elected by the ADB board of governors.

Kanda assumed the role of ADB president on Feb. 24, 2025 after being elected by the   board of governors to serve the remaining term of his predecessor, Masatsugu Asakawa.

Under Kanda’s leadership,? ADB delivered at an unprecedented level last year, committing? $29.3 billion of support from? its ?own resources, 20 percent higher than in 2024.

Meanwhile, its partners contributed  $14.7 billion for a total of $44 billion of development finance.

ADB also advanced major regional initiatives, including the $10 billion for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), over $10 billion for the CAREC or Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program and the establishment of the Regional Connectivity Fund for APG.

In addition, the ADB also delivered $14 billion for its $40 billion food systems transformation commitment.

ADB is also providing support for the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 chairship.