Statement by H.E. Bruno Le Maire - 104 Meeting of the Development Committee - October 15, 2021

Jul 19, 2026

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Statement by H.E. Bruno Le Maire to the Development Committee for its 104th meeting, focusing on the fragile recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and the need for safe, effective, affordable vaccines for all. It highlights continued support for vaccine access and global procurement efforts led by the World Bank Group in coordination with WHO, ACT-A and COVAX. It further calls for stronger climate resilience aligned with the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda, increased financing and innovative solutions, and timely, coordinated debt treatment for vulnerable countries.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

Statement by H.E. Bruno Le Maire

Covid-19 response and vaccine access

Green, sustainable and resilient recovery

Development financing and innovative solutions

Debt treatment and international coordination

Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (Joint Ministerial Committeeof the Boards of Governors of the Bank and the Fundon theTransfer of Real Resources to Developing Countries) ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH MEETINGWASHINGTON,DC-OCTOBER 15,2021 Statement by # H.E.Bruno Le MaireMinister for Economy,Finance and the Recovery France DC/S/2021-0060(E)October 15,2021 Statement by H.E.Bruno Le MaireMinister for Economy,Finance and the Recovery France # 104Meeting of the Development Committee October 15,2021 Washington,DC The past few months have seen significant progress in the fight against the Covid-19pandemic and its health,economic and social consequences,but the recovery remains fragile.The rapid roll-out of vaccination has contributed to containing the virus in many countries,despitethe emergence of new strains.On the economic front,after an unprecedented recession in 2020,the global economy is expected to grow by 5.6%in 2021,the strongest rebound in over 80 years.However,this positive outlook should not divert us from the significant challenges we are stillfacing in order to overcome the consequences of the pandemic and return to a green,sustainable,resilient and inclusive development. The fight against the pandemic willremain our priority in the coming months,with the mainobjective of ensuring access to safe,effective and affordable vaccines for all.Only a massive roll-out of vaccines could ensure sustained containment of the virus and prevent the emergence andspread of resistant strains that could jeopardize recovery.The international community mustcontinue working to increase access to Covid-19 vaccines in every country,to increase theindustrial production capacity of developing economies,and to remove barriers to vaccination,with enhanced transparency. In that respect,I welcome the efforts led by the World Bank Group to support the affordableprocurement and deployment of vaccines worldwide.These efforts must be continued andexpanded,in coordination with multilateral initiatives and in particular with WHO,the Access toCovid-19 Tools Accelerator(ACT-A)and its COVAX vaccine pillar.To accompany this effort,governments must also rally and show solidarity.This is why France pledged to donate 120 milliondoses of vaccines to respond to the emergency,and encourages all those who can to do the same. France supports the creation of a Global Health Council to improve pandemic preparedness.Hereagain,the World Bank will have an important role to play.As a board member of the Coalition forEpidemic Preparedness Innovations(CEPI),a major contributor to programmes improving diseasesurveillance systems,and as a major investor in health systems strengthening,we encourage theWorld Bank to work with the WHO,WTO and FAO and to bring its expertise to this newgovernance. The international community must also rally for a green,sustainable,inclusive and resilientrecovery in line with the 2030 Agenda and the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement.The fight against climate change will be the challenge of our decade,as underlined by the IPCCthis summer,if we wish to remain within the 1.5°limit and avoid reaching the 2.7°announced bythe UNFCCC by the end of the century.France will be very careful that the Bank also significantlystrengthens its commitments in favor of biodiversity and presents a dedicated action plan by the end of the year,in accordance with the 2021-2025 Action Plan on climate change,which wewelcome.In the run-up to COP 15 in Kunming and COP 26 in Glasgow,France invites theWorld Bank to play a leading role in this area,both in terms of financing and in the definitionof ambitious accounting methodologies.Here again,a collective effort is needed to make realprogress. Financing the recovery will require massive investments and the mobilization of both publicand private resources.France is strongly committed,within the international community,tohelp fill the massiv

FAQs

What is France’s main priority for the coming months?

Ensuring access to safe, effective and affordable vaccines for all, through sustained global roll-out and removal of barriers to vaccination.

How does the statement describe the link between the pandemic recovery and climate goals?

It urges a green, sustainable, inclusive and resilient recovery aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Climate Agreement, with renewed focus on climate change and biodiversity.

What approach does the statement call for regarding financing the recovery?

It calls for massive investments and mobilization of public and private resources, including innovative solutions by multilateral financial institutions and coordination with the IMF and the World Bank.

Jul 19, 2026

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