Washington, D.C. – Tariye Gbadegesin, Chief Executive Officer of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), described the dynamic and impactful first days of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., where leaders from 191 nations are gathered.
Reflecting on the high-energy sessions, Gbadegesin shared insights into discussions that ranged from innovative clean energy developments to reshaping global climate finance strategies. “The energy in the room has been palpable,” she noted, emphasizing the inspiration and collaborative spirit that defined the initial days of the meetings.
A key highlight of the opening sessions was IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva’s address, in which she underscored climate change as a defining challenge that demands intensified cooperation and unwavering dedication. Gbadegesin echoed this sentiment, lauding her CIF colleagues for their consistent commitment to transformative climate action.
Gbadegesin also participated in a notable White House roundtable on green supply chains, sharing best practices with prominent leaders including John Podesta, Jake Levine, and Alexia Latortue. She described the session as an invaluable opportunity to showcase CIF’s work with its six partner multilateral development banks.
In a series of influential meetings, Gbadegesin engaged with Egyptian Minister Rania A. Al-Mashat and Canadian Ambassador Bob Rae on advancing green ambitions and climate action. She also reconnected with key figures like Juergen Voegele and Demetrios Papathanasiou of the World Bank, along with Roberta Casali and Noelle O’Brien from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
As the sessions continue, Gbadegesin remains optimistic about the collective potential to achieve meaningful progress. “There’s much more to come,” she stated, expressing enthusiasm for the path ahead in climate finance and action.
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