FGV EBAPE Participates in World Bank’s Global Conference on “Reimagining Public Finance”

Professor Paolo de Renzio, from FGV EBAPE, took part in the global event “Reimagining Public Finance”, held at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., on September 29–30, 2025. De Renzio served as moderator and presenter of the plenary session “Public Financial Management in the 21st Century: Evolution, Evidence and Practice.” During the session, a report developed over the past two years was presented, proposing a new World Bank approach to support public financial management (PFM) reforms in developing countries.

The plenary provided an overview of two decades of PFM reforms, highlighting milestones, evidence, and innovations that have shaped the field, while also discussing major implementation challenges. The debate featured Florence Kuteesa (public budgeting expert, former Director of Budget in Uganda and former IMF staff), Nicola Smithers (former head of the PEFA Secretariat and former World Bank official), and Philipp Krause (visiting scholar at the University of Potsdam), with moderation and presentation by Paolo de Renzio.

The report emphasizes the importance of aligning diagnostics, tools, and technical assistance with evidence of what works in practice to improve the allocation, execution, and transparency of public spending. Key principles include realistic sequencing of reforms, institutional strengthening, intensive use of data, adaptive learning, and a strong focus on delivering results to society—especially in areas such as health, education, and infrastructure.

Professor de Renzio’s participation reaffirms FGV EBAPE’s commitment to applied knowledge production and to training public managers who are equipped to face today’s fiscal challenges, including slow economic growth, social pressures, and the green and digital transitions.