ADB Establishes North Pacific Subregional Office, Expanding Support In Region.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced the establishment of a subregional office to support its expanding operations in the North Pacific, strengthening the bank’s commitment to its Pacific developing member countries (DMCs) as a steadfast partner for growth, development, and resilience.
The North Pacific Subregional Office will be in Pohnpei, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and will upgrade the bank’s existing FSM Pacific Country Office.
The office—expected to be operational by the end of 2026 and led by a regional director—will help deepen engagement across three specific nations:
- The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)
- The Marshall Islands
- Palau
It will also strengthen project preparation and implementation, portfolio performance management, policy dialogue, capacity–building assistance, and emergency response of ADB to the North Pacific DMCs.
Solving Complex Regional Challenges
“The North Pacific Subregional Office will bolster delivery of ADB’s growing assistance, tailored to help solve the complex development challenges faced by this part of the Pacific region,” said ADB Director General for the Pacific Emma Veve. “ADB’s stronger presence in the North Pacific will help to unlock more public and private financing for development, while deepening partnerships and regional cooperation to build resilience and prosperity.”
The North Pacific has geographically dispersed, small, open economies that are highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, disasters and economic shocks. Addressing these challenges requires consistent on-the-ground interactions with local governments and development partners.
Accumulative Financial Portfolio
ADB is a leading development partner in the Pacific, and since 1990 a key partner of the North Pacific DMCs, supporting efforts to boost economic growth, public service delivery, and resilient development.
- Cumulative Commitments: As of 31 March 2026, ADB had cumulatively committed $841.11 million to its North Pacific DMCs, including support from the Asian Development Fund.
- Active Public Sector Portfolio: Comprised 34 projects worth $320.5 million as of 31 December 2025, with further growth expected in the coming years.
- Emergency Relief: In June, ADB provided a $500,000 grant to the FSM government to support recovery efforts following Typhoon Sinlaku, which affected 34,000 people across 42 municipalities.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
