This is a period of some uncertainty but also enormous promise for the countries of the hemisphere. Critical presidential and parliamentary elections this year will not only influence domestic agendas, but also set the tone of inter-American relations. Meanwhile, China’s strong and growing presence in Latin America prompts interest in the strategy shaping its decisions. On the economic front, lower oil prices may drive growth for some countries in 2015, but slowing economies in Europe, Japan, and China may offset gains from the dip in oil prices. These and other topics were discussed on panels regarding elections and political trends in Latin America, the quality of relations between Latin America and Asia, and the development outlook in the current global economic context. Over 1,000 world leaders joined us at the Nineteenth Annual CAF Conference on September 9 and 10, 2015 in Washington, DC.
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Government of India have pledged to make the Bank Group’s 2017 Annual Meetings a resounding success. The Meetings are scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad, the capital of the state of Gujarat, from May 22-26, 2017.
The commitment followed a Memorandum of Understanding endorsed by both parties on Thursday, September 15, 2016, at the end of the Bank’s first Annual Meetings Preparatory mission to assess facilities and logistics for the event in Ahmedabad.
“For us this is a special moment. It officially kick-starts preparations for the 2017 Annual Meetings and underscores the growing cooperation between the Bank and India in particular, and between India and Africa in general,” AfDB Secretary-General, Vincent Nmehielle, said after he signed the MOU on behalf of President Akinwumi Adesina.
The Meetings, taking place on the heels of the India-Africa Summit held in New Delhi last year, would further boost the long-standing economic cooperation between the two sides and open up new avenues for fruitful business engagements between them, he added.
The Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Bandana Preyashi, who signed on behalf of the Finance Secretary, said that the Government and people of India highly appreciate the opportunity they have been given to host the Bank’s most important annual event.
In 2018, the Annual Meeting will take place in Mendoza, Argentine Republic from 22 to 25 March. Special events will be offered on the first and second days of the Annual Meeting.
Participation at the Annual Meeting is by invitation. The list of special guests from each member country of the IDB and the IIC, including private sector organizations, banks, and associations, is prepared according to internal procedures established for that purpose and must be approved by the respective country authorities. The list for each country is updated yearly to include requests received after the previous Annual Meeting up to the time it is submitted to the Board of Executive Directors. Requests received after that are submitted to the respective Executive Director on an individual basis.
Institutions interested in being invited to the upcoming Annual Meeting should send a communication to the Secretary of the Bank at the address indicated below, requesting an invitation. Please include a description of the organization. There is no cost for registering. Guests are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and other expenses.
Deadline to request an invitation is March 15, 2018
Invitation Request
The Secretary
Inter-American Development Bank
1300 New York Avenue, N.W. Stop E-1205
Washington, D.C. 20577
Email: AnnualMeeting@iadb.org