On August 26-29, 2025, the New Development Bank (NDB) welcomed procurement leaders from 12 Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to its headquarters in Shanghai for the 24th yearly Heads of Procurement (HOP) meetings.
Over four days, participants explored how procurement can drive sustainable development by advancing green and inclusive practices, stronger country systems, digital transformation, and resilient supply chains.
A Network with Global Impact
For more than 24 years, the Heads of Procurement network has aligned MDB operational policies and practices, making projects more efficient, competitive, and fair. This collaboration has enabled MDBs to co-finance projects seamlessly while responding to pressing global challenges such as climate change, economic fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and post-pandemic recovery.
Through collective action, MDBs are scaling their impact, reinforcing procurement as a strategic lever for sustainable development.
Highlights of the 2025 Meetings
Day 1 — Sustainable Public Procurement Day
Focused on low-carbon, circular, and inclusive procurement strategies to deliver climate action and social impact while ensuring cost efficiency. The day also featured the NDB Procurement Symposium.
Day 2 — Strengthening Country Systems
Strategic roundtables addressed how MDBs can harmonize procurement practices and strengthen national systems while maintaining fiduciary standards.
Day 3 — Digital Transformation
Explored the role of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and data analytics in enhancing transparency, efficiency, and value for money in procurement.
Day 4 — Future Directions
Examined procurement’s evolving role in public-private partnerships (PPPs), private sector financing, and resilient supply chains to support long-term sustainable growth.
Participating Institutions
- African Development Bank
- Asian Development Bank
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
- Caribbean Development Bank
- Council of Europe Development Bank
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
- European Investment Bank
- Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development
- Inter-American Development Bank
- International Fund for Agricultural Development
- Islamic Development Bank
- The World Bank
- New Development Bank
Shared Commitment
The 2025 meetings deepened collaboration among MDBs and reaffirmed their collective commitment to shaping procurement as a strategic tool for sustainable and resilient development — aligned with global priorities and responsive to emerging challenges.