Australian appointment to Asian Development Bank

I welcome the appointment of Ms Deborah Stokes, a senior career diplomat with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to the position of Vice-President, Administration and Corporate Management at the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The ADB is one of Australia's key development partners in our region and is a major source of development finance for the Asia-Pacific. ADB's strategic priorities closely align with the objectives of Australia's aid program including contributing to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction in our region.

Australia is the third largest contributor to the ADB's Asian Development Fund and is active in helping ADB implement programs, projects and policies to assist developing member countries. Together Australia and the ADB are working to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of people in our region.

Ms Stokes was formerly Australia's High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea. She has expertise in management and operational reforms and extensive experience in leadership roles in international relations and development.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree from the University of Adelaide and a Master of Philosophy in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge.

Ms Stokes will play an important role during a period of significant organisational reform at the ADB. She is expected to take up her appointment in early 2016.