AIIB annual meeting reviews achievements over past decade, bank’s inclusiveness underpins multilateralism: expert – Global Times

Report on the 10th Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Its Role in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Overview of the 2025 AIIB Annual Meeting

The 10th Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was held in Beijing from June 24 to 26, 2025. The event, themed “Connecting for Development, Collaborating for Prosperity,” marked a decade of AIIB’s contributions to global infrastructure and sustainable development. Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended and addressed the Opening Ceremony on June 26.

AIIB’s Contributions to Sustainable Development and Global Governance

Since its establishment in 2015, the AIIB has evolved into a high-standard, rule-based international institution, playing a critical role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to infrastructure development, economic growth, and global partnerships.

• AIIB has mobilized over $200 billion in infrastructure investment across 322 projects worldwide.
• It has approved more than $60 billion in financing, supporting sectors such as energy, water, transport, sustainable cities, and digital and social infrastructure.
• The bank emphasizes inclusivity, openness, and equality, aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

AIIB’s Strategic Role in Achieving SDGs

AIIB’s operations directly contribute to multiple SDGs by:

1. Promoting Infrastructure Connectivity (SDG 9): Investing in underdeveloped regions to enhance infrastructure and local livelihoods.
2. Supporting Sustainable Economic Growth (SDG 8): Facilitating development financing that fosters prosperity and economic integration.
3. Encouraging Multilateral Cooperation (SDG 17): Acting as a bridge for North-South and South-South collaboration, reinforcing global partnerships.
4. Advancing Environmental Sustainability (SDG 13 & SDG 15): Committing to “lean, clean, and green” principles in project implementation.

Expert Insights on AIIB’s Impact

• Guo Jiakun, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: Highlighted AIIB’s leapfrog development and its role in improving global economic governance and sustainable growth.
• Jin Liqun, AIIB President: Emphasized the bank’s resilience, best practices, and commitment to multilateralism as essential to addressing global development challenges.
• Dong Shaopeng, Senior Research Fellow: Noted AIIB’s non-political loan conditions and focus on infrastructure in underdeveloped regions, promoting inclusivity and local development.
• Song Wei, Professor: Stressed AIIB’s role in enhancing the voice of emerging economies and supporting sustainable debt management in developing countries.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite initial skepticism and political challenges from some Western countries, AIIB’s success underscores the global demand for genuine multilateralism to:

• Bridge infrastructure gaps in developing nations.
• Drive sustainable economic growth aligned with the SDGs.
• Foster international economic integration and cooperation.

The upcoming leadership transition will see Zou Jiayi, former Chinese Vice Minister of Finance, assume the presidency in January 2026, continuing AIIB’s commitment to sustainable development financing.

Conclusion

The 10th Annual Meeting of AIIB reaffirmed the bank’s pivotal role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through infrastructure investment, multilateral cooperation, and sustainable economic growth. As AIIB moves into its next decade, it is poised to further enhance global development financing and contribute significantly to building a shared future for humanity.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article focuses heavily on infrastructure development, connectivity, and investment in energy, water, transport, sustainable cities, and digital infrastructure.
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The AIIB is described as a multilateral institution promoting international cooperation, North-South and South-South collaboration, and multilateralism.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • By supporting infrastructure development and economic integration, the AIIB contributes to sustainable economic growth and development financing.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article mentions financing sustainable cities and improving local people’s livelihood.
5. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Investment in water infrastructure is highlighted as part of AIIB’s projects.
6. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Energy infrastructure financing is mentioned as a key area of AIIB’s support.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.a: Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support.
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources.
   • Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
5. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
6. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Financial Indicators
   • Total financing approved by AIIB: Over $60 billion for 322 projects, $8.4 billion in 2024 alone.
   • Amount of infrastructure investment mobilized: More than $200 billion.
2. Project Indicators
   • Number of projects financed: 322 projects over a decade, 51 projects in 2024.
   • Types of infrastructure projects: Energy, water, transport, sustainable cities, digital and social infrastructure.
3. Institutional and Governance Indicators
   • Membership growth: From 57 to 110 members worldwide.
   • Adherence to principles: Openness, inclusiveness, equality, no political conditions on loans.
4. Development Outcomes
   • Measurable development outcomes from infrastructure financing (“infrastructure for tomorrow”).
   • Support for sustainable debt management in developing countries.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: globaltimes.cn