MDBs review 2025 progress, outline future priorities under CEB chairship
The Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) Group gathered to assess collective progress made throughout 2025 under the chairship of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and to identify the Group’s next priorities. The meeting underscored how the MDBs have strengthened collaboration across multiple areas, building on the momentum generated by their 2024 Viewpoint Note.
Leaders highlighted achievements since their June 2025 meeting in Paris and reaffirmed their shared commitment to working as a unified system to deliver greater development impact. They also pledged to maintain annual communications on progress and priorities to ensure accountability and momentum.
Key achievements under CEB chairship
One major milestone was the joint report presented to the G20, detailing the implementation of the G20 Roadmap toward better, bigger, and more effective MDBs. The document outlined improvements in lending capacity, private capital mobilization, operational cooperation, and results measurement across the system.
The Global Risk and Finance Forum (GRaFF) released the first “MDB Comparison Report,” increasing transparency and comparability of MDBs’ financial positions. This work aims to multiply the impact of shareholder capital in advancing development goals. GRaFF also prepared a note for Credit Rating Agencies, explaining MDBs’ financial models, risk frameworks, and asset quality.
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MDBs also jointly published their first “Annual MDB Water Security Financing Report,” launched during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla. Another joint publication, “Social Infrastructure in Focus,” showcased how MDBs are supporting investments in health, education, housing, and water, critical sectors for productivity and resilience.
Preparing for the next phase
Beyond completed initiatives, Heads discussed ongoing efforts to mobilize private capital through tools like the Global Emerging Markets Risk Database, coordinate on originate-to-share models, scale financial innovations, and expand regional projects such as Mission 300. MDBs also reiterated their support for countries ahead of COP30 in Brazil, emphasizing their role in advancing national strategies.
Following the meeting, Heads held a discussion with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, on trends in civil nuclear energy. Leadership of the Heads of MDBs Group will pass from the CEB to the Asian Development Bank in December, with leaders thanking CEB Governor Carlo Monticelli for his leadership during the year.
