From the President

Dear alumni,

Last month, we held our 35th Annual Meeting in the beautiful city of Riga. This is a moment that invites reflection and one that feels particularly meaningful when shared with our alumni community.

Each year, this gathering brings together around 2,000 of our key stakeholders. It is both an institutional milestone and a business forum and, once again, it demonstrated the strength and direction of the Bank. Our Governors reaffirmed their support for our core priorities: our work in Ukraine, our response to conflict and our countercyclical role, and our growing focus on economic governance. We also advanced important strategies, from the green transition to gender equality and human capital.

Equally, the meeting was alive with ideas and connections. From discussions on the future of energy and trade to conversations with leading entrepreneurs and, above all, through the countless exchanges that happen from early morning to late evening, the Annual Meeting remains a powerful platform to build partnerships and shape the future.

I was delighted to meet some of you at the networking lunch and exchange views openly. In today’s turbulent world, that ability to come together, find common ground and act as a multilateral institution is more essential than ever.
Latvia was an outstanding host, and the scale and diversity of the meeting continue to grow, reflecting both our expanding footprint, including new countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and our enduring commitment to the regions that have long been at the heart of our work.

As I reflect on our 35th Annual Meeting, I am both energised and proud. The Bank is in a strong position, with a clear sense of purpose. And that strength is reinforced by you, our alumni. With more than 5,000 members across regions and sectors, you continue to share your expertise, open doors and offer perspectives that help us remain outward-looking and connected.

Your engagement is particularly valuable as we navigate a complex global environment, from supporting countries affected by conflict to advancing the green transition and strengthening economic resilience.

Above all, the Annual Meeting reminds us that relationships matter. They are at the heart of what we do.

I hope you enjoy the latest newsletter, which among other things looks at some of the crises that have shaped the Bank. 

Thank you for staying connected to the EBRD.