This Global Infrastructure Forum is one of the major deliverables of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development held last year in Addis Ababa.

Taken together, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda are international commitments to transform the global economy, expand opportunities, and leave a healthier planet for future generations.

If we are to achieve our goals, and leave no one behind, we must address large infrastructure gaps in developing countries.

Today’s inaugural Global Infrastructure Forum provides a crucial opportunity to take the first steps toward realizing our shared commitments.

This Forum is mandated to improve alignment and coordination among established and new infrastructure initiatives, multilateral and national development banks, United Nations agencies, development partners and the private sector.

It will allow for a greater range of voices to be heard.

Developing countries, particularly the most vulnerable, need international support to bridge existing infrastructure gaps. Inclusive deliberations will keep our focus on leaving no one behind.

The Forum should also work to ensure that all infrastructure investments are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

2015 was an exceptional year for international cooperation for development. It was marked by unprecedented collaboration between the Multilateral Development Banks, and the World Bank Group in particular, and the United Nations.

With a new, integrated and universal agenda, I trust that we will continue and strengthen this close cooperation in the future.

I am therefore grateful to the World Bank Group and the Multilateral Development Banks for organizing and hosting this inaugural Forum, in collaboration with the United Nations.

Today’s Forum and next week’s ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development Follow-up are the start of a new, inclusive dialogue on sustainable infrastructure. They will help put us on track for the implementation of our new global agenda.

In terms of a question to the panel, the Addis Agenda calls on the global community to ensure that infrastructure investment is aligned with sustainable development and reaches those most in need. Could you share what your institution is prepared to do to address these needs?

Thank you.