Erik Aelbers

Erik Aelbers is a seasoned Principal Planning and Policy Economist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), where responsibilities include serving as the technical lead for the $5 billion Asian Development Fund 14 replenishment and its implementation from 2025 to 2028. Aelbers has held various significant roles at ADB, including Head of Economics and Programming Unit in the Pacific Subregional Office, where coordination of country strategy, policy dialogue, and economic analysis was central. Previous experience includes managing private sector development initiatives in Fiji and the Pacific region, and working as a Principal Economist in the Papua New Guinea Department of Treasury. Aelbers began a career in economics with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Development Economics and Economic Policy Analysis from the University of Southampton.