5 March 2015
Progress Report Shows MDBs on Target To Meet Sustainable Transport Investment Goals
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The eight multilateral development banks (MDBs) are on target to reach their goal of investing US$ 175 billion in sustainable transport over the decade from 2012-2022, according to a report jointly published by the MDBs.

The report emphasizes how the MDBs' sustainable transport investments are supporting climate-resilient, low-carbon growth in developing countries.

progress-mdb2 March 2015: The eight multilateral development banks (MDBs) are on target to reach their goal of investing US$ 175 billion in sustainable transport over the decade from 2012-2022, according to a report jointly published by the MDBs. The report emphasizes how the MDBs’ sustainable transport investments are supporting climate-resilient, low-carbon growth in developing countries.

According to the report, titled ‘Progress Report (2013–2014) of the MDB Working Group on Sustainable Transport,’ the MDBs invested US$ 25 billion in transport in 2013 and approved more than 200 projects: 115 for roads; 39 for urban transport; 24 for rail; 13 for airports; 5 for inland waterway and maritime projects; and 91 for technical assistance. Investment in 2012 totaled US$ 20 billion.

The Banks have committed to reporting annually during the decade to assess progress towards meeting their sustainable transport-lending goals. According to the report, they have adopted a common reporting framework, and four banks, up from two in 2012, have completed assessments on the sustainability of all their transport lending, in terms of economic, social and environmental impact. Other banks have conducted assessments for some projects, in preparation for wider application in the coming years.

The eight MDBs are the African Development Bank (AfDB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Investment Bank (EIB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) and World Bank. They announced their 10-year target of loans and grants amounting to US$ 175 billion for sustainable transport at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) in 2012. [EBRD Press Release] [Publication: Progress Report (2013–2014) of the MDB Working Group on Sustainable Transport] [IISD RS Story on MDBs’ Commitment to Sustainable Transport]