Washington DC, October 19, 2007. The leaders of 31 Development Finance Institutions issued today a joint statement that positions corporate governance at the forefront of their sustainable development agenda in emerging markets. This is the first initiative of its kind by the DFIs. It highlights the increased role of good corporate governance as a facilitator of international capital flows to emerging market companies. The signatories recognize that DFIs can play a critical role in promoting good corporate governance practices in emerging markets. They aim to raise awareness, at both the private and public sector levels, of the importance of good governance to sustainable economic development. Institutions that signed the Approach Statement on Corporate Governance Statement today cover most emerging markets around the world, including Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, Middle East, and Eastern and Southern Europe. Together, they represent assets of almost $1 trillion. A full list of participating institutions appears bellow. This initiative provides a starting point for further and incremental commitment by the DFI community and the clients they serve.

As stated in the Approach Statement signed today, each DFI will endeavor to: