Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President and Chair of the Board Jin Liqun chaired the second 2021 meeting of the Heads of the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) on Oct. 20.

The Heads of the MDBs discussed pressing issues affecting global development, with MDBs’ ongoing response to climate change and the importance of digital infrastructure being the principal topics of discussion.

With the historic COP26 just weeks away, the Heads discussed the significance of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference and agreed to showcase MDBs’ commitment and ambitions in responding to climate change. The meeting noted that digital infrastructure was critical to the resilience of the global economy during the pandemic and will continue to be an important driver for growth and social equity. They discussed how MDBs can help countries step up to the digital economy challenge and address the digital divide.

As 2021 Chair, President Jin has elevated the importance of health financing, climate change and digital infrastructure as core enablers for COVID-19 recovery and sustainable development. The responsibility for chairing the meeting rotates among the MDBs.

The next chair of heads of MDBs meeting will be the president of the European Investment Bank.