Zou Jiayi, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, has highlighted Asia's pivotal role in global economic transformation and underscored cooperation as the key driver for the region's green and digital transitions.

Speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 on Thursday, Zou noted that two major forces — the climate crisis and the digital revolution — are redefining how economies grow and evolve.

Asia, with its massive population and dominant manufacturing share, is uniquely positioned to drive global economic momentum and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability efforts, she said, citing that renewable energy is growing rapidly across Asia.

Zou emphasized that the region's experience shows green and digital transitions can reinforce each other. While AI helps optimize energy demand and industrial processes, the fast-growing digital economy also increases electricity consumption, underscoring the need for clean and resilient power systems.

Zou added that regional collaboration regarding digital standards, connectivity and supply chains is also accelerating the adoption of new technologies.

Zou underscored the important role of multilateral development banks in turning these transitions into tangible development outcomes, highlighting AIIB's growing support for next-generation infrastructure, with climate-related investments accounting for more than half of the bank's annual financing.

Mobilizing private capital will be essential to meet the trillions of dollars needed for green and digital infrastructure. Zou cited AIIB's investment in various member economies of how innovative financing mechanisms can support renewable energy, digital infrastructure and environmental services.

Zou concluded by saying that Asia's transformation is about building a cleaner, more digital and more connected model of growth. At a time of rising global uncertainty, she stressed that Asia's progress in cooperation, investment and innovation would contribute not only to regional prosperity but also to a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.