The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is set to enhance food and nutrition security across its 69 member countries by committing an additional USD$26 billion over the next four years. This new funding complements a previous commitment of USD$14 billion made in 2022, of which USD$11 billion has already been allocated. ADB President Masato Kanda emphasized the significant role the food and agriculture sector plays, employing 40% of the Asia-Pacific region’s workforce and utilizing half of its habitable land.
Addressing the pressing issues of hunger, malnutrition, and environmental degradation, Kanda outlined a vision for transforming food systems throughout the region. His goal is to alleviate hunger, improve diets, and promote environmental protection, while simultaneously providing vital opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses. “This transformation will drive change across the entire food value chain—from cultivation and processing to distribution and consumption,” he stated.
Kanda also pointed out the increasing pressures that food systems face due to climate change, global trade disruptions, and environmental challenges, which exacerbate food insecurity and threaten livelihoods, particularly in rural areas. ADB’s strategy seeks to modernize agricultural value chains to ensure vulnerable populations gain access to affordable and nourishing food while investing in soil health and biodiversity. Additionally, support for developing digital technology will aid farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers in making better decisions.
The ongoing 58th Annual Meeting of ADB Governors in Milan, themed “Sharing experience, building tomorrow,” has gathered over 5,000 delegates, including key figures from Pacific Developing Member Countries. Discussions at the conference illustrate a collective commitment to enhance regional collaboration to overcome economic uncertainties while identifying and utilizing opportunities for sustainable growth.
In a personal reflection on his term, Kanda expressed hope that success would be visible in the smiles of young people across the Asia Pacific, as ADB endeavors to improve lives through resilience against economic shocks, sustainable growth, and job creation.
Through these initiatives, ADB aims not only to tackle immediate vulnerabilities but also to pave the way for prosperous and sustainable futures for millions in the region.
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