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2026 GRN Development Banking Research Conference

When
From Wednesday May 20, 2026 to Friday May 22, 2026
Where
Clermont-Ferrand, France
Register here

Public Banks in a Changing Global Financial Architecture

The Global Research Network on Public Development Banks (GRN), together with Finance in Common (FiCS) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), are pleased to organize the 2026 Development Banking Research Conference, which will take place from May 20th to 22nd, 2026 in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

This conference will bring together researchers, academics, think tanks, and practitioners to discuss the role of public development banks in a changing global financial architecture. 

This conference has been granted the label of the French Presidency of G7 and is included in the G7 program.

  • Explore the evolving role of public development banks in development finance
  • Foster dialogue between academic research and public policy
  • Contribute to the development of concrete policy recommendations
  • Inform the priorities of the French Presidency of the G7 

 

The conference will be mainly structured around:

  • academic sessions dedicated to the presentation of high-level research work, each followed by moderated discussions
  • policy-oriented sessions aimed at translating research findings into concrete recommendations for public policies
  • plenary sessions bringing together leading experts and decision-makers

Topics will include:

  • Transformation of the global financial architecture in light of global imbalances
  • The systemic role of public development banks, including through country platforms
  • Private capital mobilization as a source of development financing
  • Coordination between finance ministries, central banks, and public development banks regarding climate and nature policies
  • Frameworks and challenges for transformational finance

An event aligned with global policy agendas

Held in partnership with FERDI and CERDI, the conference will contribute to shaping a structured set of public policy recommendations to support the work of the G7.

The publication of a special issue in an academic journal is also envisaged.

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