The first edition of the Program on International Financial Institutions concluded with a panel discussion featuring representatives from the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI). Participants included students from the Master's Program in Public Policy, as well as municipal, provincial, and national government officials, and professionals from the private sector.
La School of Government of the Universidad Austral held a Panel with top representatives from various International Financing and Cooperation Institutions, which marked the closing of the first edition of new program on International Financial Institutions (IFIs)Both the program and the panel were organized by the Center for International Strategies of Governments and Organizations (CIG) and were led by Fernando Straface, Director of the CIG, and Agustín Aguerre, Senior Fellow of the CIG.
The panel brought together four leading figures from international financial organizations and institutions with an active presence in Latin America:
Christian Asinelli – Corporate Vice President of Strategic Programming at CAF
Marianne Fay – World Bank Director for Argentina
Viviana Alva Hart – Representative of the IDB Group in Argentina
Luis Scasso – Director of OEI Argentina
The activity, held in a hybrid format, brought together 70 in-person attendees and 40 online participants, including students, graduates and members of the academic community of the Universidad Austral.
Throughout the discussion, the panelists addressed the main challenges and opportunities for IFIs and international cooperation in the region, with particular emphasis on the added value these organizations can generate through financing, private sector mobilization, and specialized technical knowledge. They also analyzed the growing demand for support from provinces and municipalities, reflecting on how work agendas are being adapted to strengthen subnational capacities and on the institutional and governance challenges that still persist in the territory.
Another central theme of the exchange was the economic integration of Argentina and the region. The speakers highlighted the role of IFIs not only as project financiers but also as drivers of regional public goods resulting from inter-country coordination, such as cross-border infrastructure, common standards, interoperable digital systems, and harmonized regulatory frameworks. Finally, the evolving role of international cooperation in a dynamic global context was discussed, underscoring the importance of new partnerships, more flexible instruments, and approaches aimed at strengthening institutional capacities for sustainable development.
The new Program on International Financial Institutions It was designed by the CIG for the Master in Public Policy of the School of Government of the Universidad AustralThe aim was to provide a deep and applied understanding of the role, priorities, and impact of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), CAF, and the IDB in Latin America. Through case studies and comparative analysis, participants explored the workings of the IFI ecosystem and the complete cycle of investment projects and policy loans.
This inaugural edition brought together 30 participants from municipal, provincial, and national governments, as well as the private sector, legislators, and mayors. Their professional diversity enriched the collective learning experience and allowed for a practical examination of the relationship between financial institutions and public policies at different levels of government.
The closing of the program with that activity reaffirms the commitment of the Universidad Austral and the CIG with the training of professionals capable of leading strategic initiatives in international cooperation, development financing and joint work with multilateral organizations.
