Over a hundred ADFIAP members, partner-organizations and invited guests from DFI’s and DFI associations such as World Bank, ADB, Association of DFI in Africa etc have convened in Apia, Samoa to participate the 39th annual meeting of ADFIAP.
Hon. Auelua Fatialofa Lupesoliai Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa have keynoted at the event. He has welcomed participants to the meeting insisted on the role of DFI to support and enhance development incentives for their nations.
According to the Prime Minister, “climate change is becoming a big concern and challenge which significantly affects many nations, including small islands countries and territories in the Pacific, this year’s ADFIAP conference theme is timely as it is relevant”. He expected that the participants should focus on sustainable development with a consideration of the environment. Mr. Nguyen Chi Trang, Deputy General Director of VDB and Vice Chairman of ADFIAP has also an important speech at the meeting.
The conference covered six (6) plenary sessions where various topics and issues revolving around the theme were discussed and dissected by speakers from the invited guests and ADFIAP members who shared their insights and knowledge. Session 1 covered enhancing of regional cooperation for climate change resilience; Session 2 discussed policy framework and sustainable partnerships to enable coordination of climate change initiatives; Session 3 tackled DFIs engagement in addressing a green economy, poverty reduction and inclusive development; Session 4 dissected creating an enabling environment to facilitate access to finance and financial cooperation; Session 5 covered SMEs: enhancing their role and contribution for sustainable development; and Session 6 discussed the roadmap for the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
Other highlights of the event were the General Assembly Meeting discussing and approving important matters of ADFIAP organization such as financial report of ADFIAP’s secretariat, operation directives. A welcome dinner and Awards night has also been held to honor important contribution of ADFIAP members and their respective personnel for the development cause. Different kinds of awards have been given according to various development sector contributions such as entrepreneurship, environmental protection, SME promotion,etc.
The ADFIAP annual meetings, which is held in different cities around the region, serves as a platform for the ADFIAP members, partner-organizations and other DFIs to share best practices, ideas, knowledge as well as a place for them to network, do B2B meetings, and tackle relevant issues.