"The absence of such measures could seriously undermine the global fight against poverty and erode the gains of the past decades," Kuroda said.

    "The global fight against poverty will be won or lost in our region," he warned.

    On the eve of its annual gathering, which began here Saturday, the ADB secured 11.3 billion U.S. dollars for its development fund to fight poverty in the Asia-Pacific region during the next four years.

    The ADB is owned and financed by its 67 members, of which 48 are from the region and the rest from other parts of the globe, including the United States and Spain, the host country of the meeting.

    In its new long-term strategy, the ADB said it would define its role through growth that is economically inclusive and environmentally sustainable, as well as through regional integration.

    "We need to make growth more inclusive -- to expand access to opportunities so that all can participate, regardless of their individual circumstances," Kuroda said, adding that it would require strong, sustained investment in infrastructure and education, as well as in health programs and social services for the poorest.

    Infrastructure development forms the single largest share of the ADB's lending operations.

    In the coming years, the ADB will substantially intensify its focus on the environmental consequences of growth, including climate change, said Kuroda.

    "Climate change is a fundamental threat to achieving Asia's development objectives, and to life and livelihoods," he said.

    Within the next four years, environment and climate change would grow to represent a significant share of ADB's total lending and technical assistance, the bank's president said.

    In terms of regional cooperation and integration, as Asia-Pacific countries grow, their leaders increasingly see the value of working together and of linking their economies.

    "We are pleased to be part of such efforts," Kuroda said.