Zou Jiayi Elected as President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank – Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

Election of Zou Jiayi as President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

Overview of the Election

Zou Jiayi has been elected as the next President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) by the Bank’s Board of Governors. The announcement was made during the Bank’s 10^th Annual Meeting by the Chair of AIIB’s Board of Governors. Madam Zou’s five-year term will commence on January 16, 2026, following the conclusion of founding President Jin Liqun’s second term.

Leadership and Experience of Madam Zou Jiayi

• Over 30 years of experience in global financial policy at senior levels.
• Former Chinese Vice Minister of Finance, playing a key role in China’s engagement with international financial institutions.
• Extensive governance experience with organizations such as the World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, New Development Bank, AIIB, and IFAD.

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Madam Zou emphasized her dedication to advancing AIIB’s mission aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She highlighted the Bank’s achievements under President Jin’s leadership, including:

1. Investment in 322 projects across 38 member economies.
2. Partnerships with leading multilateral development banks to promote sustainable infrastructure.
3. Focus on climate finance, with at least 50% of new financing directed towards climate-related projects.

Madam Zou stated, “The Bank’s strategy is clear and on track, and there is so much more we can achieve in the years to come,” underscoring AIIB’s role in fostering sustainable economic development and regional connectivity.

AIIB’s Growth and Impact Under President Jin Liqun

Institutional Expansion

• Membership growth from 57 founding members to 110 approved members worldwide.
• Employment of 700 international staff representing 78 economies.
• Capitalization at USD 100 billion with AAA ratings from all major international credit rating agencies.

Financial Contributions and Climate Focus

• Investment exceeding USD 60 billion in infrastructure and productive sectors.
• USD 54 billion equivalent raised through bond issuances in 20 currencies.
• At least half of new financing allocated to climate finance projects, supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Recognition and Global Partnerships

• Granted Permanent Observer status by the United Nations in 2018, recognizing AIIB’s contribution to the UN’s development mandate and SDGs.
• Collaborations with multilateral development banks to mobilize capital for sustainable infrastructure development.

Statements from AIIB Leadership

Madam Zou Jiayi: “I am humbled and honored by the trust that AIIB members have placed in me. The Bank’s strategy is clear and on track, and there is so much more we can achieve in the years to come.”

President Jin Liqun: “I am very pleased that next January I will be succeeded by Zou Jiayi. She is one of the most respected figures in international development finance, and I am confident that the AIIB will continue to move forward on the right track with the new President in charge.”

About the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a multilateral development bank established in 2016, dedicated to financing sustainable infrastructure projects that support the Sustainable Development Goals. Key facts include:

• 110 approved members worldwide.
• Capitalization of USD 100 billion.
• AAA credit rating by major international agencies.
• Focus on mobilizing capital and investing in infrastructure and productive sectors to foster sustainable economic development and enhance regional connectivity.
• Core commitment to sustainability, aligning with multiple SDGs including SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article focuses on the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which finances infrastructure projects, directly linking to SDG 9.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • At least half of AIIB’s new financing is directed to climate finance projects, highlighting a commitment to climate action.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • AIIB collaborates with other multilateral development banks and has Permanent Observer status at the United Nations, emphasizing global partnerships.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • By investing in infrastructure and productive sectors, AIIB fosters sustainable economic development, which supports SDG 8.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient 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 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the UNFCCC to mobilize USD 100 billion annually by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Investment Volume and Project Count
   • AIIB has invested over USD 60 billion in 322 projects across 38 member economies, which can serve as indicators of financial mobilization and infrastructure development.
2. Climate Finance Proportion
   • At least 50% of new financing directed to climate finance projects indicates progress towards climate action targets.
3. Membership and Partnerships
   • Growth from 57 to 110 approved members and collaboration with other multilateral development banks reflect progress in partnerships (SDG 17).
4. Credit Ratings and Bond Issuances
   • AAA ratings and USD 54 billion equivalent raised via bond issuances in 20 currencies indicate financial sustainability and capacity to mobilize resources.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: aiib.org