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ADB commits an additional $26 billion through 2030, bringing total food and nutrition investment to $40 billion across Asia and the Pacific.
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New strategy targets climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and stronger rural job creation to transform fragile food systems.
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Private sector mobilization goal set at 27%, with $7.5 billion in planned investment to drive innovation and supply chain modernization.
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Launch of a $150 million Natural Capital Fund to protect biodiversity and attract global green finance for agri-food sustainability.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced a major expansion of its food and nutrition security agenda during its 58th Annual Meeting in Milan, unveiling an additional $26 billion in funding through 2030. This move raises ADB’s total investment in food systems across Asia and the Pacific to $40 billion and reflects a bold strategic pivot toward climate resilience, sustainability, and long-term development.
Under the theme “Sharing Experience, Building Tomorrow”, the four-day summit has convened over 5,000 participants from around the world, including policymakers, economists, investors, and development specialists. Hosted by the Government of Italy, this year’s meeting focuses on how to collectively address economic uncertainty, environmental degradation, and growing inequality in the region.
ADB’s Clear Goals for the Future
ADB President Masato Kanda, in his opening statement, emphasized that the expanded financial commitment aims to transform Asia’s fragile food systems amidst increasing challenges such as droughts, floods, and climate shocks.
“The expanded support will help countries alleviate hunger, improve diets, and protect the natural environment, while providing opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses,” Kanda stated. “It will drive change across the entire food value chain — from how food is grown and processed to how it is distributed and consumed.”
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The new funding includes $18.5 billion in direct ADB assistance to governments and $7.5 billion in private sector investments. By 2030, the ADB aims for the private sector to contribute at least 27% of the total investment—a move designed to harness private innovation and capital for development goals.
Future Plans: Building Resilient, Inclusive Food Systems
The ADB’s food security program will span the entire food production process—from farm to fork. The aim is to support governments and businesses to:
- Increase production of diverse, nutritious, and affordable food.
- Strengthen job creation and income opportunities in rural areas.
- Modernize supply chains and improve distribution networks.
- Reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture.
- Foster innovation through digital technology and analytics for decision-making.
ADBThe bank will prioritize initiatives that enhance the availability of healthy food for vulnerable populations while safeguarding soil health, conserving biodiversity, and adapting agricultural systems to the changing climate.
With more than half of the world’s undernourished people living in Asia, ADB’s intensified focus responds to a crisis that is both urgent and systemic. Food systems in the region are under immense stress, contributing to 70% of global freshwater use, occupying 50% of habitable land, and driving 80% of biodiversity loss.
Future Strategy: Green Finance and Regional Collaboration
A key strategic highlight from the Milan meeting was the launch of ADB’s Natural Capital Fund, a $150 million blended finance vehicle designed to support agri-food system projects that protect and restore natural capital. Backed by the Global Environment Facility, the fund is expected to attract further contributions from international partners, including the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program.
This innovative fund underscores ADB’s evolving strategy: to blend public financing with private capital and global partnerships for sustainable development. By integrating environmental conservation with economic investment, the bank aims to create a regenerative cycle of growth, food security, and ecological balance.
President Kanda reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to being a steadfast partner for its member countries. “We must not be complacent,” he said. “We are committed to helping countries build resilience against economic shocks, foster sustainable growth, and improve the lives of the poor and most vulnerable.”
Kanda also stressed the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and implementing sound macroeconomic policies to support long-term growth and stability across Asia and the Pacific.
A Global Effort for Local Impact
ADB’s renewed strategy has garnered interest from stakeholders in Africa and Europe as well. With many of the challenges—climate change, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss—shared across continents, the success of this expanded initiative may offer replicable models for nations in West Africa, including Nigeria and Ghana, and global partners in Paris and Washington.
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As ADB continues to evolve into a 21st-century development institution, its latest push reaffirms that building sustainable food systems is not merely a regional challenge—it is a global imperative.
“With smart investments and sound policy reforms, we can turn today’s vulnerabilities into tomorrow’s opportunities: delivering more nutritious diets, better jobs, and a healthier planet,” President Kanda concluded.
The 58th Annual Meeting continues through May 7 with high-level discussions on economic resilience, climate finance, digital transformation, and the role of multilateral cooperation in shaping a sustainable future for Asia and beyond.