In a renewed effort by the ADB to engage some of its harshest critics, the exchange between Kuroda and the representatives of such groups as Greenpeace and Oxfam was polite and restrained.

It also underscored the difficulty the multilateral bank faces in engaging such groups, which often accuse the ADB development projects of abetting environmental damage and human rights abuse.

NGO representatives said the ADB was still promoting the use of fossil fuels and continuing to provide aid to Nepal, despite the recent military takeover there.

The meeting, on the eve of the ADB's annual conference in Istanbul, was part of the ADB's NGO centre, which has increased coordination and cooperation with civil society in preparing ADB projects.

Kuroda told participants at the forum that the ADB would soon have a new "medium-term action plan" to work with NGOs, who were widely consulted on the plan.