ADB Asian Development Bank : Online Registration Opens for ADB’s 49th Annual Meeting in Germany

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has opened online registration for the 49th Annual Meeting of its Board of Governors, to be held at Messe in Frankfurt, Germany on 2-5 May 2016.

The theme of this year's Annual Meeting-where ADB will kick off a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary-is 'Cooperating for Sustainability.'

Against a global backdrop of slower economic growth, climate change concerns and a new set of Sustainable Development Goals, the meeting will look at the current challenges and solutions to achieving more inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth in Asia and the Pacific.

At the Governors' Seminar, finance ministers of key economies will examine reforms in areas such as trade, investment, and finance needed to help lift productivity and put countries on a higher and more sustainable growth path.

In keeping with the cooperation theme, seminars will look at challenges and opportunities for developing Asia-Europe trade and investment relations, and ways to strengthen Asia-Europe macroeconomic links while managing spillovers from financial shocks. There are ongoing transcontinental integration efforts between the Asia and Pacific Rim countries (such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership) and the US and Europe (like the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership), but nothing comparable is being negotiated between Asia and Europe, highlighting the need for stepped-up efforts to establish closer economic ties.

Another highly topical issue in the wake of the COP21 Paris climate conference is how Asia will advance clean and climate-resilient development. A seminar will look at the tools available, including finance and technology, to help countries move toward a low-carbon growth path. In another related seminar, mayors from key member countries will discuss how Asian cities can be made more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Experts at the ADB Annual Meeting will also discuss the current state of the global financial markets and their impact on Asia, particularly on infrastructure investment, as well as steps needed to generate higher quality employment and improved workplace environments in the region.

In addition to official ADB sessions and seminars, Germany as the host country will organize a range of events where representatives of the public and private sectors and civil society will exchange ideas and solutions around renewable energy, sustainable supply and production chains, technical and vocational training as well as municipal partnerships. A 'City of Sustainability' exhibit will be set up at Messe Frankfurt to showcase sustainable development efforts.

The meeting is expected to draw over 3,000 participants, including finance ministers, central bank governors and other senior government officials, private sector partners, as well as representatives of international organizations, civil society and youth, academia, and the media.

Media participation is by invitation only, and those who wish to attend the meeting should apply online. Invitations will then be sent to interested media. Accredited media will have access to all public sessions, including seminars and key business sessions.

The ADB Annual Meeting is an ISO-certified sustainable event, and in line with the overall theme of this year's meeting, ADB and Germany will promote the principles of event sustainability with stakeholders in attendance. Follow ADB Annual Meeting news on Twitter using the hashtag #ADBFrankfurt.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members - 48 from the region.

About ADB and Germany

Germany is a founding member of ADB and the largest shareholder among ADB's 17 European members, with 4.331% of total shares as of the end of 2015. Germany ADB Governor and Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Hans-Joachim Fuchtel currently serves as Chair of the ADB Board of Governors.