IBA CEE Strengthens Partnerships with The World Bank and IFC - International Finance Corporation to Drive Economic and Climate Resilience in Pakistan
Islamabad, December 4, 2025: Dr. S. Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director, IBA, Mr. Kamran Bilgrami, Director CEE, Mr. Bulent Sohail, Syed, Head of Program Partnerships ADRIC-CEE along with members from CEE team Mr. Furqan M. Tamoor and Mr. Bilal Ahmed Syed, engaged in two high-level meetings at the World Bank and IFC headquarters in Islamabad.
At the World Bank, the IBA delegation met with distinguished experts including Mr. Umer Baloch, Economist at the World Bank; Sir Alaister Norris, former UK High Court Judge and INSOL advisor; and Mr. Sergio Ariel Muro, Global Insolvency Lead at the World Bank. The discussion focused on advancing insolvency frameworks and reforms in Pakistan. IBA’s CEE is leading a comprehensive insolvency research project, spearheaded by Dr. Hilal Butt, Chairperson, Finance Department, SBS, IBA. Commissioned by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan SECP, the research aims to modernize corporate restructuring practices and align local insolvency policies with global standards to enhance economic stability and investor confidence.
In a separate meeting at the IFC, the team met with Mr. Mohsin Ali Chaudhry, IFC ESG Advisory Lead for Pakistan, to discuss the partnership for Climate Governance and Leadership programs. Supported by IFC Pakistan, these programs aim to equip corporate and enterprise leaders and board members with the skills to address critical climate challenges, foster resilience, and promote sustainable business practices. Designed to enhance Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices across industries, the initiative will align with international standards to ensure Pakistani organizations are prepared for the global shift toward climate-conscious leadership.
Both initiatives underscore Institute of Business Administration’s role as a key contributor to economic policy and corporate sustainability in Pakistan, with programs and research expected to deliver long-term benefits for the business environment.