The IDB’s principal goal, is
poverty reduction and improved social equity. To
attain these objectives the Bank works in four priority areas: the "Opportunities for the Majority" initiative, water and sanitation, sustainable energy and climate change, and education and innovation.
The IDB requires that all projects that it finances meet environmental, social,
health and safety, and labor requirements. Projects must comply with all applicable country and international regulatory requirements, as well as IDB policies and guidelines,
including appropriate information disclosure and public consultation activities. Depending
on the nature of the project, sponsors will be required to perform an assessment of project
impacts and risks (such as an environmental impact assessment or analysis, or an environmental,
health and safety audit) and develop and implement plans (such as an environmental and
social management plan, or a health and safety plan) in order to adequately prevent, control and
mitigate those impacts and risks.
The Bank is also increasing the scope of its work with the private sector—better coordinating the
work of the IIC, the MIF and the IDB’s Structured and Corporate Finance Department, and developing new instruments
and lending products to finance infrastructure and other priority sectors.
The Bank supports the efforts of its borrowing member countries to attain the United Nations
Millennium Development Goals. These include eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; promoting
gender equality; reducing child mortality; improving maternal health; combating HIV/AIDS,
malaria and other diseases; and ensuring environmental sustainability.
