The Cook Islands delegation to the 57th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank Board of Governors

Led by Prime Minister and ADB Governor, Hon. Mark Brown held its first bilateral meeting with the Pacific Department of the Asian Development Bank today.

The meeting delved into how ADB, with its extensive resources and expertise, can lend support to the Cook Islands, as well as other Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). With the recent ADF14 replenishment, there's renewed momentum to bolster efforts towards sustainable development in the region.

Small Island States encounter unique challenges ranging from vulnerability to climate change, limited access to finance, and the need for sustainable quality infrastructure. Through strategic interventions and tailored solutions, ADB can play a pivotal role in transforming these challenges into opportunities for resilience and growth.

From infrastructure development to climate adaptation projects, the possibilities for collaboration between Cook Islands and ADB are endless. By harnessing innovation and fostering partnerships, both parties aim to create a brighter future for the people of Cook Islands and beyond.

As the Cook Islands and ADB embark on this journey together, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫: to build a sustainable and prosperous future for all. By leveraging each other's strengths and working hand in hand, they pave the way for a resilient, inclusive, and thriving Pacific region.

𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐩: left to right

1. Hideaki Iwasaki, Deputy Director General, Pacific Region operations

2. Aaron Batten, ADB Regional Director for Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu

3. Garth Henderson

4. Leah Gutierrez, Director General for ADB's Pacific Department

5. Hon. Mark Brown

6. Made Arya Wijaya, Director for Constituency 5 (Armenia / Cook Islands / Fiji / Indonesia / Kyrgyz Republic / New Zealand / Niue / Samoa / Tonga)

7. Mani Mate