Ambassador Curtis remarked that the 3P principle has been used by ADB
extensively to ensure adherence to issues like environmental and
indigenous safeguards. Drawing parallels between ADB’s Strategy 2020
and AIT’s Strategy 2009-2013, Ambassador Curtis remarked that AIT
should consider concentrating on few elements, while at the same time
keeping an eye to the changing dynamics in the region. “A major
challenge for any organization is to ensure consistency of vision and
focus,” he added.
He mentioned similarities in historical context that led to the
creation of ADB as well as the formation of AIT. The focus during the
1950s and 1960s was capacity building in the Asia-Pacific region.
“1960s was a time when there was a shortage of capital in Asia and ADB
embarked on the broad mission of poverty reduction,” he said.
Ambassador Curtis has served as a senior executive, board member,
strategist, communicator and public affairs and policy specialist.
Prior to assuming his post at ADB, he was managing director at
Burson-Marsteller, one of the world’s largest public affairs
consultancies. He is a graduate of the Yale School of Management with a
Master’s in Public and Private Management, and of the Northwestern
University Medill School of Journalism.
Earlier Prof. Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Vice President Resource
Development welcomed Ambassador Curtis and Prof. William C. Webster
former Vice Provost, University of California – Berkeley.