A Call to Action: Scaling Europe’s Development Finance
A Call to Action: Scaling Europe’s Development Finance
From 27–29 May 2026, SIFEM had the privilege of hosting the European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) Annual Meeting in Lugano, Switzerland, under the theme “A Call to Action: Scaling Europe’s Development Finance.” The gathering brought together leaders from Europe’s development finance institutions, alongside shareholders and strategic partners, to discuss how development finance can respond more effectively to today’s global challenges.
Across three days of meetings, participants exchanged perspectives on the future of blended finance, the role of catalytic capital, and opportunities for deeper collaboration among European DFIs. Discussions reflected a shared recognition that achieving sustainable development outcomes at scale requires stronger partnerships, innovative financing approaches, and more effective mobilisation of private capital.
A key highlight of the programme was the EDFI Design Forum, which convened senior representatives from development finance institutions, government, academia, international organisations, and the private sector. Through plenary sessions, panel discussions, and collaborative workshops, participants explored how European development finance can adapt to an increasingly complex global environment while remaining focused on delivering impact where it is needed most.
The meeting also provided a valuable opportunity for EDFI members to strengthen relationships, share practical experiences, and identify areas for future cooperation. Alongside the formal programme, side meetings addressed important topics including support for financial institutions in Bangladesh and investment mobilisation for Ukraine.
Hosting the EDFI Annual Meeting was particularly meaningful for SIFEM as Switzerland’s development finance institution. The event underscored the importance of collective action at a time when development challenges are growing more interconnected and resources must be deployed as effectively as possible.
Reflecting on the conference, SIFEM’s Chair Mirjam Staub-Bisang said: “The DFI environment is genuinely complex – bridging development impact, financial performance, public policy and national interest. Closing the financing gap between development needs and available public resources requires mobilising private capital at scale. The conversations in Lugano reinforced my confidence that that European DFIs are ready to move from coordination to action.”
We would like to thank all EDFI members, shareholders, speakers, and partners who contributed to making the event a success. The positive feedback received throughout the week reflected the real value of bringing the European development finance community together to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and shape the future of development finance.
As the discussions in Lugano demonstrated, the need for catalytic and collaborative investment has never been greater. SIFEM looks forward to continuing to work with EDFI and its members to help scale sustainable investment and support inclusive economic development around the world.
As Jörg Frieden steps down after eight years as Chair of SIFEM’s Board of Directors, and Mirjam Staub-Bisang takes up the role, the outgoing and incoming chairs sit down together to reflect on impact, conviction, and the business of putting capital to good use.
As Jörg Frieden steps down after eight years as Chair of SIFEM’s Board of Directors, and Mirjam Staub-Bisang takes up the role, the outgoing and incoming chairs sit down together to reflect on impact, conviction, and the business of putting capital to good use.
