Uzbekistan will host the largest financial and economic event in the region — the 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), scheduled to take place May 3-6, 2026 in the historic city of Samarkand.
Scale and Significance of the Event
The ADB Annual Meeting is one of the most important international forums on development issues in the Asia-Pacific region. The event will bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, representatives from the private sector, civil society, academia, and international organizations from ADB’s 69 member countries.
This marks the first time in history that an ADB Annual Meeting will be held in Central Asia, underscoring the region’s growing role in the global economy and recognizing Uzbekistan’s success in implementing economic reforms.
Meeting Program
Official Events
The program includes four days of intensive discussions and negotiations:
Board of Governors Meetings will be the central event, where strategic decisions on the bank’s development and directions of its activities in the region will be made.
Seminars and Panel Discussions will cover a wide range of current topics:
- Sustainable economic development and green transformation
- Economic digitalization and financial technologies
- Infrastructure development and regional integration
- Combating climate change and adaptation to its consequences
- Inclusive growth and poverty reduction
- Public-private partnerships in development financing
Business Program
Business Forum will provide a platform for establishing business contacts between public and private sector representatives. Presentations of investment projects from Central Asian countries and discussions on co-financing opportunities are expected.
Innovation Exhibition will showcase successful ADB projects in sustainable development, present cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions for the region’s developing economies.
Registration and Participation
Registration for the event is open on the official ADB website. To participate, it is necessary to:
- Complete the online registration form
- Indicate participation category (delegate, observer, media representative)
- Receive confirmation and accreditation documents
Organizers will provide participants with access to the full program of events, working materials, and networking opportunities.
Samarkand as the Venue
The choice of Samarkand as the venue for the Annual Meeting holds symbolic significance. The ancient city, located on the historic Silk Road, is today becoming a modern center of international cooperation and economic integration.
In recent years, Samarkand has developed modern infrastructure for hosting high-level international events, including conference halls, international-class hotels, and a modern transport system.
Expected Outcomes
Hosting the ADB Annual Meeting in Uzbekistan will open new opportunities for the country:
Investment Attraction. The event will serve as a showcase for demonstrating the investment potential of Uzbekistan and the region as a whole to international financial institutions and private investors.
Strengthening International Ties. High-level meetings will expand cooperation with key development partners and provide access to new markets.
Experience Exchange. Participation in discussions on current development issues will provide an opportunity to study best international practices and adapt them to national economic conditions.
Enhanced Recognition. Hosting a major international forum will elevate Uzbekistan’s image as a reliable partner and attractive destination for doing business.
Background Information
The Asian Development Bank, founded in 1966, is one of the world’s largest multilateral development banks. ADB brings together 69 member countries, 49 of which are located in the Asia-Pacific region.
Uzbekistan has been an ADB member since 1995. During the cooperation period, the bank has financed more than 80 projects in the country in the areas of energy, transport, water supply, urban development, and the financial sector, totaling over $8 billion USD.
The 2026 Annual Meeting will mark an important milestone in strengthening the partnership between Uzbekistan and ADB, while demonstrating the country’s commitment to the principles of an open economy and international cooperation.