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Chapter 8

Protocol

8.1. Definition of a VIP

  1. Under ADB protocol, a VIP is broadly defined as a person with the following designation/capacity:
    • the head of state and/or government of a sovereign or internationally recognized state or territory (e.g., a monarch or president)
    • a minister in a central government of an internationally recognized state (e.g., prime minister, cabinet minister, or secretary of state)
    • member of a royal family
    • Governor or Alternate Governor of ADB
    • governor of a central bank
    • leader of an assembly of elected representatives (e.g., senate president or speaker, or leader of a house of representatives)
    • head of a major international organization (e.g., the president of the World Bank or secretary-general of a United Nations agency)
    • It is expected that the host country will provide a similar list of VIP designation for ADB and PCO   reference.
  2. For the purposes of the Annual Meeting, ADB treats all Heads of Delegations in the same manner, even if they are a head of state or head of government. For example, all Heads of Delegations have the same cars and the same seating arrangements at the opening session (i.e., there is a seating block for Heads of Delegations, not assigned seats.). Where possible, it is preferred that this approach is taken to host country VIPs also. However ADB respects that this may not be the case and is very much dependent upon precedence within the host country.