The conference brought together researchers, academics, think tanks, and practitioners to discuss the role of public development banks, in line with the conclusions of the Seville Commitment.
Over three days, the conference provided the opportunity to exchange on a wide range of research and policy issues, including development finance architecture, private sector mobilization, climate finance, subnational development finance, governance and legal frameworks, macroeconomic coordination, and the role of public development banks in supporting sustainable development transitions. It is no less than 50 original papers which were presented across 8 plenary and 16 academic sessions.
The conference was also marked by several highlights, including the first Emerging Scholar Award, jointly awarded by the Public Banking Project (McMaster University) and AFD.
It also provided an opportunity to strengthen ties with local authorities during a reception hosted at City Hall by the Mayor of Clermont-Ferrand, Mr Julien Bony.
Finally, the conference received positive coverage in the local media (in French): La Montagne (newspaper), ICI Auvergne (radio), and France 3 Auvergne (television).
France holds the G7 presidency from January 1 to December 31, 2026. This presidency constitutes a common thread of the French diplomatic action throughout the year.
The “French Presidency of the G7“ label was created to highlight events that contribute, directly or indirectly, to animate and bring this presidency to life.
Through its various sessions, the 2026 Development Banking Conference will contribute to the elaboration of concrete recommendations in terms of public policies, intended to shed light on the priorities of the French G7 presidency.
