AIIB Celebrates 10 Years of Global Sustainable Infrastructure Growth
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) commemorated its 10th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors from June 24 to 26, 2025, in Beijing, marking a historic moment as it reflected on a decade of progress in global infrastructure investment. Established in 2015 with 57 founding members, AIIB has grown to include 109 approved members worldwide, becoming a pivotal force in financing sustainable infrastructure and promoting regional cooperation.
This year’s meeting was more than just a ceremonial milestone. It served as a platform to examine the Bank’s achievements, engage with global stakeholders, and chart its vision for the future. The event also marked the final official engagement for Jin Liqun, AIIB’s founding President and Chair of the Board of Directors, as he prepares to step down after a decade of influential leadership.
Supporting Global Development Through Modern Infrastructure Solutions
Since its founding, AIIB has remained steadfast in its mission: to support the infrastructure and connectivity needs of its member countries. Over the past ten years, the Bank has committed over $60 billion in financing across 310 projects in 40 countries, emphasizing sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
According to Jin Liqun, AIIB’s projects are not just economic in nature—they are transformative in their purpose. “The infrastructure projects are designed, implemented, and managed in a way in which you can improve the environment, reduce emissions, and keep the economy sustainable,” he stated. From clean energy to modern roads and digital connectivity, these projects aim to create a foundation for long-term growth.
Jin’s personal experiences have influenced AIIB’s development philosophy. Reflecting on his upbringing in rural China, he recalled how 15 years of massive infrastructure investment helped lift the country into modernity. “My life in rural China helped me understand the needs and aspirations of the people in many countries that need development support,” he said. It is this grounded perspective that has informed AIIB’s people-centered approach to development.
Reviewing a Decade of Global Impact and Human Progress
The 10th Annual Meeting was an opportunity for AIIB to evaluate its accomplishments, share success stories, and identify areas for improvement. While the financial figures speak volumes—$60 billion invested in over 40 countries—the real stories lie in the lives improved and the opportunities created.
Jin Liqun was especially proud to highlight specific AIIB-backed initiatives that span continents and causes. In Brazil, the Bank helped fund projects to protect the tropical rainforest, a vital ecosystem for the planet. In Ivory Coast, AIIB contributed to a key road project that improved regional trade and accessibility. In Egypt, investments were directed towards renewable energy and waste treatment—sectors that are crucial for urban sustainability and health.
Beyond economic metrics, these projects deliver social impact. “We allocated resources for critical infrastructure projects so that they could generate incomes, sustain economies, and create more jobs for women, particularly. And to create better prospects for their children,” Jin emphasized. AIIB’s social impact is monitored through robust assessment systems that ensure projects deliver tangible results and maintain high governance standards.
Multilateral Collaboration Anchored in Inclusive Development
From its inception, AIIB has positioned itself as a multilateral development bank (MDB) dedicated to cooperative engagement. Its founding principles promote openness, accountability, and inclusivity, welcoming both developed and developing nations to participate equally in shaping infrastructure investment policies.
The Bank’s international cooperation extends beyond its members. It regularly partners with institutions like the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to co-finance major infrastructure projects. These partnerships allow AIIB to leverage global expertise and resources, reducing risks and enhancing the development impact of each initiative.
Governance remains central to AIIB’s institutional integrity. Over the years, it has implemented strict environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, promoted transparency in its operations, and ensured that all projects align with international best practices. As a result, AIIB has built a reputation for reliability and resilience in an evolving global financial landscape.
Sustainability at the Core of Infrastructure Development
With climate change and environmental concerns gaining global urgency, the AIIB has proactively aligned its investments with global climate goals, including the Paris Agreement. In 2020, the Bank announced that it would aim for 50% of its financing to be directed toward climate projects by 2025—a target it is well on its way to meeting.
By funding projects in renewable energy, sustainable transport, climate-resilient infrastructure, and ecological conservation, AIIB is helping countries decarbonize their economies and build adaptive resilience. The Bank has also embraced green bond issuances and blended finance models to attract private-sector capital for climate-focused infrastructure.
These steps are not only environmentally responsible but strategically forward-looking, considering the growing need for green finance in emerging markets. Through this strategy, AIIB acts not merely as a lender but as a platform for global climate collaboration.
A Leadership Transition That Upholds Institutional Continuity
With Jin Liqun stepping down as President after a decade at the helm, the 10th Annual Meeting served as a moment of transition. His departure invites reflection on the foundations he helped build and how those principles can guide the next phase of AIIB’s journey.
“The Annual Meeting is an opportunity to see whether there is room for improvement for the next decade under the new President,” Jin commented. However, he also noted that while improvement is necessary, the core principles must remain intact. “We have set up a Bank built on high-level governance and being run by international best practice. The message is: we should stay the course.”
His leadership emphasized building a lean, clean, and green institution—lean in structure, clean in governance, and green in strategy. These principles are likely to endure as the Bank continues to position itself for the challenges of the 21st century.
Dialogue, Innovation, and the Road Ahead
The 10th Annual Meeting attracted member country representatives, civil society voices, academic experts, and private-sector partners, all of whom contributed to discussions on the Bank’s strategic direction. Their participation ensured that AIIB remains grounded in real-world development needs while also looking ahead to emerging trends such as digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence in logistics, and supply chain resilience.
This dialogue-oriented approach positions AIIB not just as a financial institution but as a knowledge-sharing platform—where lessons from past projects inform future investment decisions. From smart cities and inclusive transport systems to rural broadband access, the next decade is expected to bring diversification in the Bank’s portfolio.
In 2023, the Bank published its Strategy on Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow (FIT), outlining priorities such as climate finance, gender equality, regional connectivity, and private sector mobilization. These guidelines will shape how AIIB evolves, ensuring that development is both forward-looking and inclusive.
Celebrating a Decade, Preparing for the Future
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has, in just ten years, matured into a trusted global partner in sustainable development. It has financed projects across continents, built strategic partnerships, and contributed to a more inclusive infrastructure landscape.
Yet, the real legacy of AIIB’s first decade lies not only in its portfolio but in its principles. As the Bank embarks on its second decade, it does so with a renewed commitment to collaboration, accountability, and sustainability.
From safeguarding forests in South America to lighting homes in Africa and empowering communities across Asia, AIIB has proven that infrastructure is about far more than physical structures—it’s about connecting people to opportunities and building a better future.
Looking ahead, AIIB’s message is clear: the mission continues. By building on a strong foundation and adapting to emerging global challenges, the Bank is poised to play an even greater role in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable world for decades to come
