ADFIAP, through its Special Interest Group 1 (SIG1) on Integrated Financial Instruments and Guarantee Mechanism, convened a high‑level webinar, in partnership with Convergence, to explore how blended finance can accelerate sustainable development, climate action, and economic transformation across emerging markets. The webinar brought together development finance institutions from Cambodia, Russia, Oman, and Indonesia.

The session was led by Ms. Lidia Guryeva of VEB.RF, Chair of SIG1, with Kuy Panha of ARDB Cambodia and John Alianza of ADFIAP serving as co‑organizers and moderators. Their leadership reflects SIG1’s mandate to deepen knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and promote innovative financing solutions among ADFIAP members.

The program began with a warm welcome from ADFIAP Secretary General Mr. Enrique Florencio, who emphasized the importance of blended finance in advancing inclusive growth. This was followed by an opening keynote from the ADFIAP Chairman, H.E. Dr. Kao Thach, who underscored the role of DFIs in mobilizing capital and partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

As the event’s Scene Setter, Ms. Mei Ling Yeap (Manager, Asia Pacific at Convergence) presented the latest structural data on the State of Blended Finance and the Role of DFIs. She presented critical regional insights into global blended finance trends, explaining how local DFIs can serve as catalysts for mitigating investment risks and mobilizing commercial capital. Drawing on the world’s largest blended finance database, she highlighted key trends:

• Climate finance is expanding, but adaptation remains underfunded.
• Guarantees and subordinated capital remain the most catalytic instruments.
• The biggest bottleneck globally is the lack of bankable projects.
• Philanthropic capital is increasingly vital for early-stage risk absorption.
• The message was clear: DFIs must strengthen structuring capabilities, invest in project preparation, and build stronger partnerships to scale blended finance.

Country Perspectives: Practical Models and Innovations

Cambodia (ARDB): Representatives from ARDB shared the bank’s pioneering national strategies and operational lessons learned from implementing localized blended‑finance initiatives to bolster sustainable national development, modernize agriculture, and strengthen climate‑resilient value chains.

Russia (VEB.RF): Ms. Varvara Kudlay (Director and Head of Legal Structuring of Projects and Programs at VEB.RF) provided an in-depth overview of Russia’s specialized development finance instruments. She highlighted the Project Finance Factory program as a model for blending public incentives with institutional market funding to support major infrastructure projects.

Sultanate of Oman (DB): Mr. Hussain Ali Ibrahim Al Lawati (CEO of the Development Bank) discussed Oman’s approach to capital blending, particularly for large-scale energy projects. He described how the Omani Development Bank funds up to 80% of project costs with 15-year repayment terms, prioritizes sectors aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and the net-zero emissions strategy, and supports project bankability through feasibility studies and stakeholder alignment.

Indonesia (PT SMI): Mr. Faaris Pranawa, Director at PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur, demonstrated the impact of the SDG Indonesia One blended finance platform. The platform screens projects through a rigorous three-gate process (feasibility, viability, and bankability) to address systemic gaps and mobilize private capital. To date, the platform has achieved an exceptional 5.4x multiplier, mobilizing $5.4 billion in total project costs from an initial $1 billion in concessional funding through 39 strategic partners.

Speakers emphasized that blended finance must be aligned with national priorities, supported by project preparation facilities, and strengthened through partnerships and transparency. Climate finance — particularly adaptation and resilience — emerged as the fastest-growing area of need.

ADFIAP’s Role Through SIG1

SIG1’s leadership in organizing this webinar demonstrates ADFIAP’s commitment to serving as a regional platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and partnership development. By convening global experts and member institutions, SIG1 is helping ADFIAP members deepen their understanding of blended finance instruments, structures, and applications.

As Secretary General Enrique Florencio noted, “Our members are at the forefront of financing sustainable development. Blended finance provides a powerful toolbox to mobilize capital, manage risk, and deliver impact. ADFIAP will continue to champion this agenda through SIG1 and other knowledge platforms.”

The roundtable concluded with forward-looking closing remarks from Dr. Sergey Storchak (Senior Banker at VEB.RF), who lauded the high level of exchange and expressed a strong desire to systematically document member experiences throughout the year.