ADB appoints Sona Shrestha as director general for South Asia

Dhaka: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Sona Shrestha as Director General of its South Asia Department (SARD), where she will oversee strategy and operations across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, said the regional development bank in a release on Thursday, February 12.

“I am honored to be appointed Director General of South Asia,” Shrestha said. “I look forward to working closely with our developing member countries in the region to further deepen ADB’s engagement in support of inclusive and sustainable development.”

Shrestha brings more than 27 years of professional experience, including 23 years at ADB. Prior to the appointment, she served as Deputy Director General for SARD. She also held senior roles in ADB’s Independent Evaluation Department and Financial Sector and Trade Division for Southeast Asia.

Earlier in her career, she worked across Central and West Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, gaining extensive operational experience. She also served as Deputy Country Director for Indonesia and held the position of Assistant Secretary at ADB.

A national of Nepal, Shrestha holds doctorate and master’s degrees in economics from the University of California in the United States. She earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from Smith College, Massachusetts.

Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, including 50 from the Asia and Pacific region. The bank supports inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth through financing, partnerships, and policy support.

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