During Her Participation in the Arab Governors’ Meetings at the World Bank Group Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation: We appreciate the efforts of Arab financial institutions and reaffirm the importance of regional integration to address development challenges.

During Her Participation in the Arab Governors’ Meetings at the World Bank Group

Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation: We appreciate the efforts of Arab financial institutions and reaffirm the importance of regional integration to address development challenges.

We call on the World Bank to further strengthen partnerships that empower the private sector and maximize its role in advancing development across member countries.

Implementing the World Bank reform roadmap is essential to mobilize more capital and increase the voting power of developing countries.

We are working to achieve a balance between macroeconomic stability and promoting investments in human development.

Her Excellency Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Egypt’s Governor at the World Bank Group, participated in the Meeting of Arab Governors attended by Mr. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group.

The meeting was chaired by H.E. Abdullah Suleiman Sheikh Sidiya, Minister of Economic Affairs and Development of the Republic of Mauritania, with the participation of Dr. Fahad Alturki, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Arab Monetary Fund, representing regional financial institutions.

This meeting took place as part of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, held from October 13 to 18 in Washington, D.C., under the theme “Structural Transformation Policies to Unlock Growth Potential.” The sessions brought together central bank governors, ministers of finance and development, as well as representatives from the private sector, civil society organizations, and international media.

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the importance of regional and international cooperation to achieve sustainable development and strengthen resilience in the face of mounting global challenges—particularly those affecting the Arab region.

H.E. noted that Egypt believes enhancing the resilience of Arab economies requires striking a careful balance between macroeconomic stability and sustained investment in human development and infrastructure. Despite current global uncertainties, she added, the region remains capable of achieving positive growth, supported by ongoing economic reforms, investment in productive sectors, and private sector empowerment.

Dr. Al-Mashat reaffirmed Egypt’s appreciation of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund for their ongoing support to Arab countries through policy advice, technical assistance, and concessional financing that help address economic and social challenges. She stressed the importance of the continued role of international financial institutions, led by the World Bank Group and the IMF, in providing support based on developmental and humanitarian needs, with a particular focus on reconstruction and long-term development.

The Minister also commended the vital role played by Arab financial institutions in supporting development efforts across the region, underscoring the need to advance regional integration to enhance collective resilience and the capacity to address shared challenges.

Discussing cooperation with the World Bank Group, Dr. Al-Mashat welcomed the Bank’s development of its new strategy aimed at expanding development impact and strengthening the role of the private sector in mobilizing finance. She stressed that the ongoing reform process within the World Bank Group represents an opportunity to enhance the participation of developing countries, including Arab nations, in shaping global priorities, and reaffirmed the need to increase their voting power within the institution.

Regarding private sector empowerment and innovation, H.E. reiterated that strengthening the role of the private sector remains the most effective pathway to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth. She called on the World Bank Group to intensify efforts to mobilize private capital through innovative guarantee and financing mechanisms, commending the Unified Guarantee Platform recently launched by the Bank as an important tool to channel investments toward priority sectors in the Arab region.

Dr. Al-Mashat also highlighted the pressing challenge of job creation for youth across the Arab world, calling for innovative and sustainable solutions. She emphasized that investment in human capital and digital transformation are key pillars for boosting productivity and creating new employment opportunities.

In conclusion, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting the joint efforts of Arab Governors in promoting sustainable development and economic integration. She emphasized Egypt’s resolve to continue constructive cooperation with the World Bank Group and development partners to build a more stable, resilient, and prosperous future for all peoples of the region.