Responsible Infrastructure Finance and Governance

When: Thursday, October 9
Time: 9:00-10:30am
Where: World Bank Room: I 2 - 250

Sponsor:  Center of Concern, Heinrich Boell Foundation, EURODAD, Bretton Woods Project, and International Rivers
Panelists:
Nancy Alexander, Director, Economic Governance Program, Heinrich Boell Foundation
Mike Callaghan, Director, G20 Studies Centre, Lowy Institute for International Policy
Rev. Gabriel Anokye, Archbishop of Kumasi, Ghana
Maria Jose Romero, Policy and Advocacy Officer, EURODAD
Aldo Caliari, Director, Rethinking Bretton Woods Project, Center of Concern
CHAIR: TBC

"Economic Infrastructure” (energy, transport, water, and ICT) is “front and center” on the development agenda, with additional financing requirements estimated at USD $1 trillion per year. This could double the percentage of GDP invested in such projects in many countries from 7% to 9%. To meet such requirements, the G20, the World Bank and other forums are discussing proposals to tap into external finance, public and private, to make up the estimated shortfall. 

This session will be focused on addressing several key issues related to responsible infrastructure finance and governance. The need for infrastructure development is undisputed, but what magnitude of financing is required for different countries/regions? How will the anticipated initiatives related to infrastructure development (mega-projects) serve the most marginalized and how will it impact on the environment? What should be the role of development finance institutions in such a context? Who are the new entrants (e.g., long-term institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds)? What are the different financing models available and, in particular, what lessons have been learned from PPPs as one of those financing models? How should risks and benefits be allocated between the public and private financiers?"