Dhaka, Feb 12, (V7N) – 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 in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

“I am honored to be appointed Director General of South Asia,” Shrestha said in a statement. “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.”

A seasoned development leader, Shrestha has more than 27 years of professional experience, including 23 years at ADB. She previously served as Deputy Director General for SARD, Deputy Director General of ADB’s Independent Evaluations Department, Assistant Secretary, Director in the Financial Sector and Trade Division for Southeast Asia, and Deputy Country Director for Indonesia.

A national of Nepal, Shrestha holds a doctorate and master’s degrees in economics from the University of California, as well as a bachelor’s degree in economics from Smith College, Massachusetts.

Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the Asia-Pacific region—and supports inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth through innovative financial tools and partnerships.

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