NEWS

Lecture by the Delegation from the International Financial Corporation (IFC) on "Private Sector Development in Emerging Economies" was Held

Update: December 16, 2024

On December 10, 2024, the lecture by Dr. Susan Lund, IFC Vice President for Economics and Private Sector Development, and Mr. Joon Young Park, IFC's Senior Manager, was held in the International Conference Room in Dialogue House. This open lecture was hosted by the Social Science Research Institute and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The purpose of this lecture was to introduce students to the work of the International Financial Corporation and the role of the private sector in development financing. The event was moderated by Professor Heather Montgomery, and around 30 students, faculty, and staff attended.

After President Shoichiro Iwakiri's welcome remarks, Dr. Lund (on Zoom) introduced the IFC and delved into its pivotal role in transforming emerging markets through private sector development. Mr. Park (in-person) emphasized the importance of deepening domestic capital markets, which can enhance private investment, channel resources to the most productive firms, and support the growth of financially constrained businesses.

The lecture was very well received by the students. They learned about the specific work of the IFC, as well as more generally about finance and international development. During the Q&A session, there was a lively exchange of opinions on the work of the IFC, the links between public and private financing, and the importance of addressing poverty and climate adaptation in developing countries. Mr. Park actively engaged the eager students and graciously answered their many questions.