U.S. ENGAGEMENT WITH ASIA THROUGH THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
June 11, 2014

Featuring:

Robert M. Orr
U.S. Ambassador
Asian Development Bank

On June 11, 2014, US Ambassador Robert M. Orr delivered remarks at the International Law Institute (ILI) in Washington, DC on U.S. engagement with Asia through the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This special event was co-sponsored by ILI and ADB’s North American Regional Office.

The Asia-Pacific region is home to over half the world’s population and is the fastest growing region in the world. But while much of Asia is experiencing robust economic growth, the region faces key development challenges, including rapid urban population growth, large pockets of poverty, food insecurity, environmental degradation, corruption and fragile institutions of governance.

The ADB is playing a critical role in efforts to address these challenges. The United States has contributed more than $25 billion in overall capital subscription to the ADB since joining in 1966. During his recent visit to Asia, President Barack Obama expressed support for “broader and more inclusive development and prosperity” in the Asia Pacific. U.S. development policy in Asia has focused on a range of issues including: health, education, infrastructure, rule of law, good governance and expanding trade and investment opportunities.

Speaker’s Bio: Prior to becoming U.S. Ambassador to ADB, Ambassador Robert Orr served as President of Boeing Japan and Vice President and Director of European Affairs for Motorola SA/NV. Ambassador Orr was also Director & Associate Professor at the Institute of Pacific Rim Studies at Temple University of Japan, and Director & Visiting Associate Professor at the Stanford University Japan Center. Earlier in his career, Ambassador Orr served as a Special Assistant for Asia at the US Agency for International Development and as a staff member with the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Asia and Pacific Affairs.

Ambassador Orr completed his Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo, and has Master’s Degree from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Florida Atlantic University. His book, "The Emergence of Japan's Foreign Aid Power" published by Columbia University Press, won the 1991 Ohira Prize for best book on the Asia Pacific.