2026 Development Banking Research Conference 

The Global Research Network on Public Development Banks, together with Finance in Common and the Agence Française de Développement, are pleased to announce the organization of the 2026 Development Banking Research Conference -  Public banks in a changing global financial architecture.This event, will take place on May 20th-22nd, 2026 in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Held in partnership with the FERDI and the CERDI, the conference will bring together researchers, academics, think tanks, and practitioners to debate the role of public development banks, in line with the conclusions of the Sevilla Commitment. It aims to strengthen the cohesion of the international research community, and promote the production of original research on PDBs. It will enhance the expertise of research centers which take an active part in the FiCS, and consolidate their leading role in the animation of the international academic debate on this subject. The conference is an opportunity to broaden the perimeter of the GRN by bringing out a new generation of researchers specialized in development finance. 

The Global Research Network on Public Development Banks 

The Global Research Network (GRN) on Public Development Banks (PDBs) emerged as a collaborative initiative uniting international dedicated researchers, academics, think tanks, and professionals committed to advancing research on PDBs.

Established to foster knowledge exchange and dialogue, the GRN serves as a platform for interdisciplinary and geographically diverse perspectives, promoting North-South and South-South collaborations. By bridging the gap between research and practice, the GRN aims to inform policies and enhance the effectiveness of PDBs in addressing global development challenges. A free and open platform, the GRN welcomes new contributors and is particularly supportive of emerging scholars and PhD candidates eager to contribute to this growing field of research.

More information on the Finance in Common website. 

Emerging Scholar Research Paper Award

At the initiative of the Public Banking Project, an inaugural Emerging Scholar Research Paper Award will recognize outstanding peer-reviewed academic publications by PhD and postdoctoral emerging scholars. Interested participants are invited to submit their applications through the Public Banking Project website: Emerging Scholar Award - Public Banking

Clermont-Ferrand International Development Hub (PCDI)

Located three hours from Paris, at the foot of the volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys —listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the city of Clermont-Ferrand has cultivated internationally recognized expertise in development economics for five decades. 

This signature is bolstered by the presence of the CERDI, a joint research unit of the Université Clermont Auvergne, the CNRS and the IRD, and by the FERDI, a public-interest foundation and think tank dedicated to shaping international debates on key development issues, particularly those concerning the global financial architecture and development financing.

The recent establishment of a branch of the Global Development Network (GDN) further reinforces this ecosystem. To support and contribute to this French hub of expertise, the AFD opened an office in Clermont-Ferrand in 2025.

Organizers and partners

Organizers

Partners