EBRD works across three continents to support the transition to successful market economies. This is done through a unique business model that combines financing, advice, and policy reform.  All the Bank’s operations are guided by the need to promote environmentally sound and sustainable development as well as appropriate procurement practices. 

The EBRD seeks to develop a sound investment climate based on an effective legal and regulatory environment framework.  

The EBRD was set up in haste in 1991to meet the challenges of an extraordinary moment in Europe’s history, the collapse of communism.  The EBRD is owned by 77 national governments, as well as the European Union and the European Investment Bank.  The capital base is EUR 24 billion and, importantly, it is triple-A rated.  

First, EBRD has very recently expanded its operations into Sub-Saharan Africa.  Cities are inevitably an area of focus, given the rapid urbanization.  I am currently looking at how best we can engage, which, given that the Bank presently has limited presence on the ground, will focus on how best to partner with other organisations.   

Second, EBRD is unique across the MDB world in the range of financial instruments it can deploy in the sovereign space, which range from public sector lending to sub-sovereign (lending directly to cities and utility companies, together with equity and green bond participation).  Structures deployed tend to be very country-specific, and I am presently working to ensure this ‘toolkit’ is effectively disseminated across banking teams within the sustainable infrastructure group. 

Third, we have started preparations for the Green Cities Event, which will take place next year as part of London Climate Action Week in June. 

Members can learn about our work through the green cities website www.ebrdgreencities.com, at our event next year, and by continuing to reach out bilaterally on specific topics. 

I stay informed by remaining involved in EBRD’s urban transactions, which are diverse and frequently innovative.  Moreover, I connect with thought leaders such as CCFLA and, more recently, have been more proactive in contributing to knowledge products in the city space. 

Our organisation has benefitted from CCFLA in three main ways: (a) its convening power; (b) its thought leadership; and (c) its PP connector, which has provided us with beneficial and tangible project preparation leads.   

To date, EBRD has contributed to papers, hosted a LUCI-PPF Connector workshop, and provided significant input to the annual CCFLA Assembly.  We also did a pub quiz together!  This collaboration is set to continue and will include EBRD hosting the CCFLA Annual Assembly next year.