Mr. Filimone Waqabaca is a highly respected Fijian economist, diplomat, and public sector leader with more than 35 years of distinguished service across national and international institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Management from the University of the South Pacific and a Master’s Degree in International Banking and Financial Studies from the University of Southampton, United Kingdom. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions with the Reserve Bank of Fiji, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the International Monetary Fund, and the Government of Fiji, serving as Permanent Secretary for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Waqabaca has also represented Fiji on the global stage as High Commissioner to New Zealand and Ambassador to Japan. His extensive governance experience includes chairing and serving on numerous national boards and statutory bodies across the finance, energy, telecommunications, transport, taxation, and public sectors, including the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Fijian Holdings Limited, Amalgamated Telecom Holdings, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, and Post Fiji. He also served as Chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union and Air Terminal Services (ATS), reflecting his broad contribution to Fiji’s economic and social development.
Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Development Bank and Board Chairperson of Investment Fiji, Mr. Waqabaca brings a wealth of strategic leadership, policy expertise, and international experience to the role. Widely respected for his vision, integrity, and commitment to nation-building, he continues to champion sustainable economic growth and inclusive development for Fiji. Known for his strategic leadership, integrity, and commitment to nation-building, he is also passionate about sports, farming, and sustainable living. Behind his professional achievements, he is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who remains deeply committed to serving the people of Fiji.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) has been established as targeted, practitioner-led platforms to address critical development financing challenges across ADFIAP-member DFIs. Coordinated jointly by the Focal Team of Special Interest Groups (FT-SIG)—led by the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB) of Cambodia and the ADFIAP Secretariat—the SIG initiative enables member banks to exchange evidence-based practices, diagnose institutional bottlenecks, and formulate joint action plans.
SIG 1: Integrated Financial Instruments and Guarantees
SIG 2: Sustainable Finance (Green and Climate Finance)
SIG 3: Sustainable Infrastructure
SIG 4: Digital Technology and Transformation
SIG 5: Affordable and Sustainable Housing
SIG 6: Agriculture and Food Security
Venue: TBA
Sri Lanka’s recent economic journey has been marked by significant challenges, but also by bold reforms, renewed investor confidence, and a growing commitment to sustainable, future‑ready finance.
SIS1 examines how the country is reshaping its financial landscape – strengthening institutions, modernizing regulatory frameworks, and accelerating digital and green finance initiatives – to build a more resilient and competitive economy. The discussion will highlight how Sri Lanka’s experience offers valuable insights for development finance institutions across the region: from managing crisis recovery and restoring stability to mobilizing private capital, expanding SME support, and fostering innovation through fintech and digital banking. It will also explore how Colombo’s strategic position and emerging financial capabilities create new opportunities for regional collaboration, investment, and knowledge exchange.
By spotlighting Sri Lanka’s transformation, this session invites delegates to view the host country not only through the lens of its challenges but also as a source of practical lessons, partnership potential, and shared regional opportunity.
Climate change demands urgent, coordinated action. This session will highlight innovative financing tools like blended finance, green bonds, and climate funds that enable institutions to expand climate-smart projects. It will feature partnerships promoting renewable energy adoption, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy initiatives. The discussion will emphasize how regional collaboration can unlock climate finance and secure fair transitions for vulnerable communities.
Digital technologies are reshaping how economies operate, creating new pathways for financial access, innovation, and competitiveness. This session examines how fintech partnerships, digital banking, and regional digital platforms can broaden inclusion – especially for underserved communities that remain outside the formal financial system. Strengthening cybersecurity, data governance, and digital literacy will be emphasized as essential foundations for trust in the digital economy. At the same time, the discussion will highlight how SMEs can use these digital tools to scale their operations, improve productivity, and connect with regional and global markets. Financing mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and market access initiatives will be showcased, along with the role of regional collaboration, trade agreements, and innovation hubs in accelerating SME growth. This session positions digital transformation as a catalyst for empowering SMEs and advancing more inclusive, sustainable economic development across the region
Prosperity must be inclusive to be sustainable. This discussion will highlight partnerships that ensure marginalized groups—such as women, youth, rural communities, and persons with disabilities—benefit from regional growth. It will showcase programs that promote financial inclusion, social protection, and equitable access to opportunities. The session will focus on how inclusive policies and collaborative efforts strengthen community resilience and foster shared prosperity.
