Statement by Reem Alabali Radovan at the 113th Meeting of the Development Committee on April 16, 2026

Overview & Synopsis

This statement, delivered by H.E. Reem Alabali Radovan, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, to the 113th Meeting of the Development Committee on April 16, 2026, underscores the central importance of strong multilateralism in addressing an increasingly fragile and complex global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, conflict, economic vulnerabilities, climate change, and rising development needs. It highlights Germany’s commitment to diplomacy, peace, and stability, including support for ceasefire efforts and negotiated solutions to conflicts with far-reaching humanitarian, economic, and energy implications. The statement outlines Germany’s reformed development cooperation framework, focused on ending hunger, poverty, and inequality; promoting peace and stability; fostering sustainable and equitable economic growth; and strengthening strategic alliances and the multilateral system in close partnership with countries of the Global South. Emphasizing the critical role of a strong, effective, and financially sound World Bank Group, the statement reaffirms Germany’s support for the Bank’s Evolution Reforms, its leadership on climate, nature, gender equality, and fragility, and the preservation of its financial strength to deliver stable, low‑cost financing. It highlights the importance of debt sustainability, intensified collaboration among multilateral development banks, and effective support for fragile and conflict‑affected situations, including Ukraine and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The statement further stresses the need to accelerate climate action, renewable energy, water security, job creation, private sector engagement, gender equality, human rights, and accountability, calling for renewed global cooperation to eradicate poverty and promote shared prosperity on a livable planet.