Asian Development Bank: Annual Report 1999

Abstract

For ADB, a poverty-free region is not mere rhetoric. Reducing poverty in Asia has always been one of ADB's fundamental aims. Now, ADB has rededicated itself to the fight: it has made poverty reduction its overarching goal rather than just one of five strategic objectives. ADB believes the most powerful weapons in the fight against poverty are pro-poor, sustainable economic growth, social development, and good governance. These are the three pillars on which ADB's poverty reduction strategy is built. This single-mindedness of approach is radically changing how ADB does business, with all ADB staff members making poverty reduction their priority.