By: Staff Writer
January 29, 2021
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) president recalls his first 100 days dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and how he has stuck to reconstruction efforts with other multilateral institutions.
Mauricio Claver-Carone, in a statement, said: “On October 1, 2020, I became the first new president of the Inter-American Development Bank in 15 years. As our region confronts its greatest-ever challenge, I am humbled by the responsibility to ensure that the IDB Group is ready to support Latin America and the Caribbean on the path toward recovery and sustainable, inclusive growth.”
“In my first 100 days, I have guided our response to multiple crises and begun laying the cornerstones of an ambitious agenda. I am proud that the IDB Group approved a record $21.6 billion in financing last year in response to COVID-19, capped by the mobilization of $1 billion for vaccine acquisition and distribution. To meet the historic need of the region, we must maintain this level of funding in the long term. I also met with Central America’s presidents following Hurricanes Eta and Iota, and we have created a task force to coordinate reconstruction efforts with other multilateral institutions.”
“Our work has already expanded with the private sector, including members of the Americas Business Dialogue, and we are exploring ways to optimize and expand financial offerings. Earlier this month, the Bank issued its largest-ever 10-year, fixed-rate, global Sustainable Development Bond.”
“Strengthened by our diverse executive team, we head toward the 2021 Annual Meeting with clear goals. As we support our countries through the pandemic, we will help the region seize new opportunities for integration and nearshoring; expand digitalization; empower SMEs and entrepreneurs; tackle persistent gender gaps; and redouble our work on climate change.”
“I am grateful to the talented individuals at the IDB Group for their determination to make it all happen. I am also grateful to all of you, those in the region and thousands of miles away, for following and supporting a mission that is more needed than ever: improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean.”