Public Development Banks: A Reference Book

Development banks are key players in fostering economic growth and
sustainable development, including through the financing long-term
projects with large developmental impacts underserved by the private
sector and through the provision of countercyclical support during
crises. They are receiving renewed attention by policy makers and new
institutions have been created in the last two decades.

This book consolidates information on public development banks,
exploring what characteristics support their effectiveness and their role
in financing sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of
maintaining profitability, strong governance, risk management, effective
monitoring and evaluation systems, and cooperation for maximizing
impact. Development banks address market failures and catalyze private
sector finance, generating "additionality" through impactful projects.

The book builds on the Finance in Common System (FiCS) a global
initiative conceived to promote stronger collaboration among development
banks to boost and align financial flows to the benefit of the SDGs.

"A new era for public development banks."
Joseph Stigliz, Nobel Prize in Economics

“An essential resource for those seeking to better
understand and harness the transformative power
of public development banks.”
Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of UNDESA

“PDBs provide a unique service: they bridge governments
and the private sector, translating national and international
policies into local solutions.”
Rémy Rioux, Chairman of FiCS and CEO of Agence Française
de Développement (AFD)