News and Events

News Release

Email this   printer friendly format

ADB Launches Action Plan for Reform Agenda to Boost Effectiveness in Reducing Poverty

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (15 June 2004) - Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched an action plan for a major reform agenda to make the institution a more "effective, dynamic and results-driven catalyst for poverty reduction and prosperity" in Asia and the Pacific.

At a special assembly yesterday of staff, management, and Board members at ADB's Manila headquarters, ADB President Tadao Chino said that the reforms, to be carried out in consultation with staff, will improve the quality of assistance provided to ADB's developing member countries (DMCs). He appealed to ADB personnel to nurture and institutionalize a results-focused orientation in which everyone - and the organization itself - is held accountable.

"By doing so, we will be a more effective development partner as we strive to reduce poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals over the next decade," he said.

Under an overall theme of "Development Effectiveness: Achieving Results Together," the reforms will address four major challenges:

• Managing for development results
• Improving results on the ground
• Improving openness, accountability, and responsiveness
• Enhancing organizational capability

The four categories were explained in greater detail at the Special Assembly by the Management team, comprising the four Vice-Presidents - Joseph B. Eichenberger (Operations 2), Liqun Jin (Operations 1), Geert van der Linden (Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development), and Khempheng Pholsena (Finance and Administration), and Managing Director Young-Hoi Lee.

Mr. Chino said the agenda received strong donor support during ADB's successful Annual Meeting last month in Jeju, the Republic of Korea.

"I believe that these reforms will significantly improve ADB's development effectiveness and help us achieve measurable results in all our operations," he said.

"I would emphasize that the ADB Reform Agenda is a product of a dynamic partnership in action, and full implementation of the Reform Agenda depends upon developing broader and deeper partnerships with our DMCs, as well as with other multilateral and bilateral organizations, which share our vision of an Asia and Pacific region free of poverty."

Mr. Chino stressed that over the years, ADB has made important contributions to poverty reduction in the region that have been widely acknowledged and appreciated by its development partners. But poverty remains all too prevalent in Asia and the progress against it is far too slow in too many places.

"That is why the international community - including the shareholders of this institution and the millions of poor across the region - is looking to ADB with higher hopes and higher expectations than ever before," he said.

"This agenda positions ADB to take on a greater leadership role in accelerating and sustaining economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific, while building upon our successful experience and our many strengths."

ADB is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through pro-poor sustainable economic growth, social development, and good governance. Established in 1966, it is owned by 63 members - 45 from the region. In 2003, it approved loans and technical assistance amounting to US$6.1 billion and US$177 million, respectively.

More at adb.org/media

Contacts