Statement by H.E. Mr. Dario Durigan, the Minister of Finance of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Governor for Brazil to NDB at the Opening Ceremony of the 11th Board of Governors Annual Meeting

Let me begin by thanking the New Development Bank for the invitation. I would also like to recognize President Dilma Rousseff for her leadership, and the entire NDB team for their continued commitment to strengthening the Bank and delivering for its members.

The global economy is going through a significant transformation. Geopolitical tensions, climate change, infrastructure gaps, and rapid technological change are reshaping the world and creating major challenges for emerging and developing economies.

In this context, institutions such as the NDB are not only relevant. They are essential.

Since its creation, the Bank has established itself as an important pillar of the international financial architecture for the Global South, with a strong focus on infrastructure and sustainable development.

At the same time, the challenges ahead require us to go further. Today, innovation and technology are at the center of the agenda. A development bank for the 21st century must be able to finance not only physical infrastructure, but also digital and institutional capabilities.

Brazil welcomes the Bank’s recent approval of financing for the first Brazilian Smart Hospital, which is located in São Paulo. This is an example of how innovation, digital technologies, and public infrastructure can improve the quality and efficiency of essential public services, in the benefit of the whole community.

From Brazil’s perspective, another central priority is to reinforce the Bank’s catalytic role. The scale of financing required for climate action, resilient infrastructure, technological transformation and sustainable industrial development goes far beyond what public resources alone can provide.