CDP hosts EDFI’s Interact Lawyers’ Meeting in Rome

CDP hosts EDFI’s Interact Lawyers’ Meeting in Rome

The meeting brings together the legal departments of EDFI member development finance institutions at CDP’s headquarters to discuss the challenges of international cooperation

 

Strengthening dialogue among the Legal Departments of development finance institutions and exchanging views on the challenges reshaping international cooperation, against a backdrop of profound economic, regulatory and geopolitical change. These are the objectives of the Interact Lawyers' Meeting, the annual event promoted by EDFI (European Development Finance Institutions), which Cassa Depositi e Prestiti and its Legal Department are hosting on 24 and 25 September at CDP’s headquarters in Rome.

The 2026 edition is attended by more than 50 legal professionals representing 23 development institutions. Guests include the World Bank, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the development banks of Canada and the United States, underscoring the growing importance of coordination among institutions committed to supporting sustainable and inclusive growth in partner countries.

Opening the proceedings in the inaugural session, “Development Finance in a Changing World”, CDP Chairman Giovanni Gorno Tempini said:
“Development finance institutions are increasingly being called upon to play a central role in addressing global challenges such as the energy transition, infrastructure development and sustainable growth. In this context, international cooperation, the ability to mobilise private capital and the sharing of expertise are key levers for increasing the impact of investments. EDFI’s Interact Lawyers' Meeting provides an important opportunity for legal professionals working across different legal and regulatory frameworks to exchange views, helping to strengthen cooperation among leading development finance institutions and to identify common solutions to the challenges arising from geopolitical and technological change.”

The opening session focused on geopolitical developments and their economic and legal implications. In the afternoon, the meeting continues with the first thematic session, dedicated to the role and involvement of the private sector in international cooperation initiatives. On the morning of 25 September, the second thematic session will focus on artificial intelligence, including the opportunities and risks this innovation presents for legal professionals working in international cooperation.

For CDP, cooperation with EDFI is a strategic element in strengthening the role of development finance institutions in promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. By fostering dialogue among its members and the sharing of expertise and experience, the EDFI network helps develop innovative solutions and effective partnerships in support of investments capable of generating lasting economic, social and environmental impact in partner countries.