Dear President Dilma Rousseff,
Honourable Governors,
Distinguished guests,
It is an honour to welcome you to Rio de Janeiro on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the New Development Bank (NDB). This is not only a moment of celebration but also one of reflection on the path we have built so far and the road that lies ahead.
In 2014, during the 6th BRICS Summit held in Fortaleza, the agreement that established the New Development Bank — the NDB — was signed, as a result of the joint will of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to have a financial institution aligned with their own ambitions. At the time, the diagnosis was clear: there was a real shortage of long-term resources for infrastructure and sustainable development — a gap not addressed by the post-war international financial system.
Today, the strength of that diagnosis is fully confirmed by the NDB’s results. Over the past decade, the Bank has approved 120 projects, totalling USD 39 billion in financing. With these resources, more than 40,000 km of roads have been built or upgraded; the supply of drinking water has increased by approximately 290,000 m³ per day; 293 km of urban rail lines have been implemented — and 35,000 housing units have been built.
Drawing lessons from the history of relations between financial institutions and sovereign states, the Bank has improved its operations through an equitable governance structure. It operates under the principle of cooperation among equals, offering financing solutions aligned with national priorities and the context of each country. The last decade has demonstrated that this model of development — one that is sensitive to local realities — is not only financially viable but also results in tangible and sustainable impacts.
It is always worth remembering that these figures represent more than budget execution and sound governance: they translate into more accessible schools, better-connected communities, families with access to clean water, and citizens living with greater dignity. These are the clearest examples of how BRICS multilateralism has a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of its people.
Today, the Bank is undergoing a significant expansion of its membership. From five founding countries, we are now nine, with the accession of Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and more recently, Algeria. This expansion process is a clear demonstration of the NDB’s relevance and appeal — and I must stress — of the strategic leadership of President Dilma Rousseff. Under her leadership, the Bank has gained new geopolitical and international prominence.
Lastly, it is essential to acknowledge that technological transformation permeates and enhances the entire institutional journey. Our government is committed to incorporating artificial intelligence, the digitalisation of financial systems, big data and cybersecurity into the redefinition of public policy formulation. The NDB has a strategic role to play in this agenda: it can support the adoption of digital technologies through the exchange of experience, investments in critical infrastructure, and support for the development of new solutions. The Bank should help shape digital trends and prepare our shared future.
As we celebrate the NDB’s tenth anniversary, we reaffirm our belief that it is possible to build a more effective model of cooperation, one that is attuned to the realities of our countries. The path we have travelled thus far shows that development and inclusion reinforce each other when driven by innovative solutions and collective commitment. May the next decade be marked by even greater ambition, more transformative partnerships, and stronger positive impact for present and future generations.
Thank you very much.