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Qatar News Agency reported that HE Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari met with Ilan Goldfajn, president of the Inter-American Development Bank, on the sidelines of the Qatar Economic Forum Powered by Bloomberg UNGA Special Edition 2026 in New York. During the meeting the two sides reviewed a range of financial and economic topics in addition to current developments on the regional and international arenas and the challenges associated with them. The encounter took place as part of broader discussions at the forum which gathered global leaders to address economic resilience and growth.
This meeting builds upon earlier cooperation between Qatari institutions and the bank. Qatar Fund for Development and the Inter-American Development Bank held a high-level working lunch in 2025 on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank annual meetings following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two institutions. The fund stated that the MoU reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing economic and social development across Latin America and the Caribbean through innovative financing mechanisms particularly in energy transition, education, digital infrastructure and climate resilience.
The Inter-American Development Bank functions as a leading multilateral partner focused on the region with ongoing projects that align with Qatar’s international development efforts. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari has participated in multiple such engagements this year including sessions at the same forum with executives from Citi and PIMCO on capital discipline and resilience according to Bloomberg coverage of the event. These interactions underscore Qatar’s strategy of engaging with global financial bodies to navigate shared economic challenges.
Qatar News Agency noted that the bilateral discussion occurred amid the UNGA Special Edition activities which also featured participation from Qatar’s Prime Minister and other ministers. The forum addressed topics such as global trade, investment flows and economic adaptation to geopolitical shifts. Additional meetings at the event involved finance ministers from various nations highlighting the platform’s role in fostering dialogue.
Previous engagements between the minister and the bank president have centered on enhancing partnership frameworks. A 2025 meeting attended by several Latin American finance ministers emphasized practical collaboration in key sectors the Qatar Fund for Development indicated in its announcement. Such sustained contact reflects Qatar’s growing involvement in supporting development initiatives beyond its immediate region.
The Qatar Economic Forum has established itself as a key venue for high-level financial conversations with this UNGA-linked edition drawing increased international attendance. Bloomberg reports from the event detailed discussions on fiscal policies and market opportunities that complement the minister’s meeting with the development bank. These forums provide structured opportunities for officials to address both immediate concerns and longer-term strategic alignments.
