Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, who is spearheading the creation of the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity (DBRP), brings a wealth of experience and a visionary outlook to the new Development Bank . With over 30 years in economic development, including a notable tenure as the President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Dr. Leon is leading the stakeholder group who is helping support and launch the DBRP in addressing the critical transition finance needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
“We need change, and the DBRP will be designed to address the structural challenges that SIDS uniquely face, while complementing existing institutions with innovative financial mechanisms such as leveraging Nature Based Assets as Real World Assets (RWAs) that leverage the inherent resource value of island nations.” Dr Leon was quoted, marking a leadership style focused on innovation. He has laid out a strategic vision aimed at re-imagining sustainability, re-balancing systemic integrity, and changing the narrative on sustainable development financing globally.
Dr. Leon clearly stated the global vision for the DBRP. “Our goal for the next ten years, and arguably for the next 40 or 50 years, is to achieve resilient prosperity for our people.”
Dr. Leon’s Background
Dr. Leon brings over 30 years of experience in economic development, with extensive expertise in macroeconomic and financial policy. Dr. Leon’s academic background includes a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Southampton and a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of London, and over his career he has provided strategic support to government authorities across Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Caribbean. During his 24-year tenure with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. Leon served as Mission Chief for Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, The Bahamas, and the Gulf States of Oman, Qatar, and the UAE. Additionally, he held the positions of Senior Resident Representative in Jamaica and Nigeria.
Dr. Leon’s career reflects a unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience, marked by a commitment to innovation and transformation. His leadership style is characterized by a focus on strategic partnerships and knowledge-based decision-making. “We need to promote and encourage bold leadership,” Dr. Leon emphasizes. “The world of SIDS needs leaders taking bold steps based on knowledge and courage, to give them a fighting chance of moving from where they are to where they want to be.”
Dr. Leon explains that the DBRP aims to provide affordable capital to developing nations, prioritizing sustainable development projects like clean energy and infrastructure. These initiatives will be designed to benefit and uplift communities, ensuring long-term resiliency in developing nations.
Dr. Leon’s Approach
With an extensive background in development banking, Dr. Leon’s team-first approach, deeply rooted in systemic integrity and holistic growth, aims to inspire confidence in DBRP’s mission. The vision behind the DBRP is committed to providing critical support for sustainable development in vulnerable regions, starting with SIDS and eventually including Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs). By addressing their unique challenges, the DBRP supports these nations in achieving long-term economic and social growth.
“The institution must be SIDS-led, outcomes-driven, and global in nature. We are not trying to replace existing architectures but to complement and enhance them, ensuring fairness and equity in development.”
Dr. Leon advocates for the recognition of natural assets, such as oceans and carbon-sequestering resources, to enhance national wealth and support sustainable development. “If we can recognize the value of the contributions of SIDS to planetary resources, that value ought to have some worth, which can be targeted to drive the outcomes of prosperity we seek,” he explains.
Dr. Leon is seen as a leader who not only understands the complexities of economic development but also possesses the foresight to drive meaningful change. His proven track record and unwavering commitment to sustainability make him a beacon of hope for the future of developing nations and beyond.
