Inside the #EBRDam, issue #4
Economic Insights
In this issue, we feature panels that explore the dynamic interplay between resources, governance, capital, and innovation, highlighting how these elements drive sustainable development and stability. From unlocking Africa's potential in critical raw materials to addressing water security through investment and innovation, these discussions will provide valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in today's global economy.
Read on to learn about important events happening on Wednesday 14 May: the high-level event on Ukraine, followed by the opening session and the reception for all participants.
We look forward to meeting you in London soon!
Registration is now closed
If you are unable to join us in person, you can still be part of the experience online.
Most sessions will be livestreamed and available on demand here: https://www.youtube.com/ebrdhq
13-15 May 2025, London, United Kingdom Expanding Horizons, Enduring Strengths
Featured events:
High-level event on Ukraine
The EBRD is the largest institutional investor in Ukraine, providing almost €7 billion for the real economy during wartime and securing agreement for a further €4 billion capital increase for future work.Our focus is on supporting the real economy, restoring sustainable livelihoods and promoting EU integration.
This event will be the curtain-raiser for the EBRD’s 34th Annual Meeting and will feature high-level representatives from Ukraine, the UK, Italy, Ireland and the EBRD.
Opening Session and Reception for all participants
All registered participants are invited to attend the Opening Session of the Board of Governors followed by a reception for all at Central Hall Westminster on 14 May.
The Opening Session will provide an overview on key themes of the Annual Meeting, and will be addressed by a UK guest of honour, the Chair of the Board of Governors for 2024-25 and the EBRD President.
The reception for all participants taking place in a unique setting and location will be a networking opportunity, enhanced by a special music performance. To mark the expansion of the Bank into sub-Saharan Africa, the performance will highlight diverse global sounds, with a focus on African music by Afla Sackey and Afrik Bawantu.
To ensure you arrive on time, please collect your complimentary transfer ticket in advance from the EBRD headquarters information desk. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Featured discussion panels:
The African continent is home to more than 30 per cent of the world’s critical mineral reserves. These raw materials are essential for low-carbon technology and digital transition and hold significant potential for economic and social change in the countries that have them. This panel will examine challenges and opportunities: how companies can navigate uncertainty in supply and demand and build a secure and sustainable supply chain. Panellists will discuss the crucial role of multilateral development banks (MDBs) in driving growth in resource-rich economies while upholding environmental, social and governance standards.
Sound economic governance and strong institutions underpin long-term growth and help countries prosper. Economic governance is one of the themes of the EBRD’s proposed five-year strategic framework, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to championing competitive, transparent and open markets. This panel will bring together national and international policymakers to discuss global trends, challenges and solutions.
The panel is about the role of capital mobilisation by MDBs in fostering transition impact. It will highlight an EBRD study on Serbia, Romania, and Uzbekistan and explore how insights from the study might be applied to sub-Saharan Africa. Regional specialists, economists, MDB representatives, and private-sector investors will share their perspectives and experience.
Water is critical to sustainable development and geopolitical stability. We are experiencing unprecedented water scarcity risks, which significantly affect some of the EBRD’s current and prospective countries of operation. Arange of supply options, such as non-conventional water production, are becoming essential to bridge the gap between supply and demand. This session will explore the role of public-private partnerships in driving solutions. It will focus on how blended finance can de-risk investments and attract private capital and will showcase how policymakers can create an enabling environment through structural reform.
An art exhibition with paintings by Ukrainian children will be on display at EBRD headquarters during the Annual Meeting. You can enjoy and buy these wonderful pieces of art to support the “Kids and Art for Ukraine” project by the EBRD Community Initiative. Learn more here.
Networking and more with our app, MyEBRD25
Have you downloaded the app? Registered participants are already using it to communicate and organise meetings during the event.
Don’t miss out, connect with like-minded participants, personalise your agenda and stay informed with updates on events. (The MyEBRD25 app’s networking features are available exclusively to registered participants).
Accessibility
We are doing everything we can to make our Annual Meeting accessible. Please see our accessibility guide for more information.
Media partner acknowledgements
The EBRD would like to thank the following media partners:
Owner, Magellan FIN, LLC
4moI would urge those that read this comment to set aside time to learn more about Eastern Europe and the EBRD