An independent global initiative examining the link between sovereign debt, climate action and biodiversity conservation will release its final report on Thursday, April 24, 2025, during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.
The Expert Review on Debt, Nature and Climate — backed by the governments of Colombia, Kenya, France and Germany — will launch the report from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Spring Meetings venue.
The document provides policy recommendations to borrower and creditor governments, multilateral financial institutions, credit rating agencies and the private sector.
The review’s interim findings warned of a “vicious circle” facing low- and middle-income countries that are simultaneously burdened by rising debt and worsening climate and biodiversity crises.
The final report calls for integrated solutions that align debt management with climate and environmental objectives.
“The Final Report is expected to shape high-level global forums, including the G20 under South Africa’s presidency, the Financing for Development Conference and the COP30 Baku to Belem Roadmap,” the organisers said in a statement.
The Expert Review draws on input from economists, environmental scientists, and debt policy specialists.
It aims to provide a pathway for reforming development finance in ways that enhance sustainability and resilience in vulnerable economies.
The event is expected to draw senior representatives from international financial institutions, donor governments, and environmental organisations.
RSVPs are being coordinated by Oliver Moyles at ODI: o.moyles@odi.org.
The Spring Meetings, which run April 21–26, come amid growing calls for reform of global financial institutions to better support countries confronting climate emergencies while facing fiscal distress.
By Winston Mwale, AfricaBrief