United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has commended African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, for his trailblazing leadership in reshaping global finance and advancing sustainable development.
In a message delivered at the AfDB’s 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Guterres hailed Adesina’s role in mobilizing the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) for vulnerable countries, describing it as a “transformative contribution” to the global financial system.
“Your advocacy was instrumental in rechanneling SDRs through multilateral development banks, enabling critical support for countries facing debt, climate shocks, and limited fiscal space,” the UN chief stated.
Guterres also praised the AfDB’s “High 5s” agenda—Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life—crediting the initiative for driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
Since Adesina took office, the Bank’s capital base has tripled, enhancing its ability to respond to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and to invest in priority sectors such as clean energy and climate-resilient agriculture.
Guterres concluded by acknowledging Adesina’s enduring push for fairness and equity in global finance: “Your efforts are helping to build a more just financial system for all.”
