Gary Forster

Why does the transparency of ESG and community engagement matter to DFIs? – an interview with Peter Woicke

By Gary Forster | Feb 24, 2021 | Blog

Our DFI Transparency Initiative has completed its third research Work Stream onESG and accountability to communities, which identified a number of areas where the transparency of Development Finance Institutions could be improved. Our CEO Gary Forster wanted to explore why more transparent and better risk management and accountability is in the best interest of DFIs themselves, and so talked to Peter Woicke about our findings. Peter is the former CEO of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Managing Director of the World Bank from 1999 to 2005.

Do DFIs engage with local communities? – an interview with Rayyan Hassan

By Gary Forster | Feb 5, 2021 | Blog

Our DFI Transparency Initiative has completed its third research Work Stream on ESG and accountability to communities. One of our findings relates to the topic – to what extent do development finance institutions (DFIs) provide assurance that they have undertaken community engagement activities in the areas where they invest, and why does this matter? Rayyan Hassan, Executive Director of the NGO Forum on the Asian Development Bank (ADB)and our CEO, Gary Forster, sat down to discuss the issue.

The Finance in Common Summit – are we all in it together?

By Gary Forster | Nov 6, 2020 | Blog

The Finance in Common Summit is reportedly the first time that the world’s 450 public development banks will gather in support of common action for climate and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As we approach the halfway point of the DFI Transparency Initiative, we reflect on what we’ve learned and discuss the implications for communities, markets and the private sector as public development banks continue to grow.

Development impact, transparency and DFIs – an interview with Alex MacGillivray

By Gary Forster | Oct 27, 2020 | Blog

Our CEO Gary Forster caught up with Alex MacGillivray, Evaluations Director at CDC Group, the UK’s development finance institution (DFI) to discuss the latest research of the FGI Transparency Initiative on impact management. As part of our DFI Spotlight series, Alex shared his thoughts on the opportunities for more and better disclosure of impact data, where the DFI sector is on impact transparency and the change that’s needed.

Development impact, transparency and DFIs – an interview with Ginny Reyes Llamzon

By Gary Forster | Oct 20, 2020 | Blog

Our recent research into the transparency of DFI impact management identified commercial confidentiality as an oft-cited but nuanced barrier to the sharing of impact data. As part of our DFI Spotlight series our CEO, Gary Forster, caught up with Ginny Reyes Llamzon, Associate General Counsel at the Global Innovation Fund (GIF), to discuss how they have addressed commercial confidentiality to enable them to share impact data from their investees while not undermining their investee’s competitive position.

Why data engagement is key to inclusive, transparent development

By Gary Forster | Jun 24, 2020 | Blog

The 2020 Aid Transparency Index — launched today — brings with it some good news — more and better data overall — and some bad news — persistent lack of impact evidence and a number of major agencies lagging behind. And there is an emerging challenge for all of us looking to make sure greater transparency delivers not only more effective development, but also serves to build a