Australian policymakers face numerous challenges in strengthening relationships with Asia. Security issues are attracting increasing attention.Regional rivalries are becoming more apparent. Against this background, stronger institutions are needed in the region to help bolster peace, security and development, and it is in Australia’s interests to work with good regional institutions. The Asian Development Bank (ADB), established 50 years ago in Tokyo, is one of the most successful regional institutions in the Asia-Pacific. What are the factors that underpin ADB’s role in the region? Looking to the future, what are the lessons for Australia’s involvement in Asia? How should Australia respond to the remarkable development transformation underway in neighbouring countries, and to the changes in the economic architecture of the region now taking place?

Note: The ADB 50-year history book is free for download here https://www.adb.org/publications/50-years-adb