The Opening Session, the Official Start of the ADB 2025 Annual Meeting
The opening session, held on May 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., marked the official start of the Asian Development Bank's annual meeting in Milan. On the occasion, remarks were delivered by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Giancarlo Giorgetti, as the Guest of Honor; Masato Kanda, President of the ADB; and Fabio Panetta, Governor of the Bank of Italy and Chair of the ADB Board of Governors.
As one of the flagship institutional moments of the event, the Opening Session brings together high-level representatives from ADB member countries, including Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors, and international leaders. It features keynote addresses that set the tone for the week’s discussions and underscore shared priorities in sustainable development, regional cooperation, and economic resilience. The session serves as both a symbolic and strategic platform through which the host country reaffirms its commitment to the ADB’s mission and strengthens partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.
As in previous years, the host country decided to hold a short cultural event at the end of the Opening Session. For more details on the event, you can visit the multimedia gallery or the page Opening Session of the Board of Governors ADB.
