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For this class(Introduction to the UN), we were joined by Kiyoshi Kodera, a former Ministry of Finance official who has served as a secretary on the Development Committees of the World Bank and the IMF, who spoke to us about the broader roles and challenges of development banks.

At the beginning of the lecture, he addressed the development challenges currently facing the international community. He reaffirmed the reality that, despite efforts toward the SDGs, 10% of the world’s population is still forced to live below the poverty line, that the number of conflict-affected regions is increasing, and that global warming has become a top priority on the development agenda. Next, he highlighted that despite the urgent need to address these global challenges, we are facing the reality that the ratio of Official Development Assistance (ODA) is decreasing year by year. He noted that while institutions such as the IFC, MIGA, EBRD, and IDB are investing in the private sector, the African Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank are also actively mobilizing private capital.

The role of development banks as development institutions can be categorized into four areas: 1) stimulating private capital in capital markets as financial institutions; 2) operations tailored to each country’s specific circumstances rather than being theme-based; 3) serving as a knowledge bank; and 4) the ability to convene meetings.

Regarding the relationship with the United Nations, the World Bank Group is classified as a specialized agency. An explanation, supported by clear diagrams, demonstrated that the multilateral development bank system generates a significant multiplier effect on multilateral contributions from DAC member countries and effectively utilizes capital markets.

The lecture concluded with Mr. Kodera himself speaking about his work at the World Bank Group, focusing on his experience as the World Bank’s Country Director for Central Asia. He cited several key areas of focus during his tenure as Country Director, including team building to unify staff with diverse expertise, engaging with national leaders, negotiating with them, listening to their perspectives, and fulfilling his duties and accountability.

After the lecture, students asked a variety of questions. The lecture made the World Bank Group—an organization students are not typically familiar with—feel much more accessible.