Full AIST 2026 symposium press kit

On the occasion of the XVIIth AIST International Symposium Cotonou 2026, the International Association of Treasury Services is gathering international delegations to place public financial management at the heart of global environmental challenges. In response to the imperatives established by the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals, this international event aims to profoundly transform public financial administrations. The objective is to move beyond the traditional view of the environment as a mere sectoral policy and establish it as a cross-cutting, structural dimension of public financial management (Green PFM), driven and strategically guaranteed by the Public Treasury.

The symposium's proceedings are structured around three core, complementary strategic orientations. The first Panel examines the international institutional and normative framework, laying the groundwork for the evolution of national financial structures. The second Panel adopts a highly technical lens to address the operational integration of environmental criteria throughout every stage of the budget cycle. It explores the transition from political intentions to concrete proof of ecological impact through climate tagging methodologies, green public procurement criteria, and robust environmental accounting and reporting mechanisms guaranteed by the Public Treasury. The third Panel focuses on the mobilization and securing of financial resources. It analyzes environmental taxation both as an incentive tool for behavioral change and as a source of revenue, while exploring opportunities in innovative financing—such as green bonds, climate funds, and carbon markets—thereby reaffirming the Treasury’s central role in overall debt sustainability.

Complementing these plenary discussions, the symposium offers a resolutely practical approach with two interactive technical workshops for delegation members. These group work sessions will allow participants to delve deeper into the primary thematic areas, share country-level experiences, and formulate actionable frameworks to advance the implementation of green budgeting.

Lastly, this 2026 edition holds special significance as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the International Association of Treasury Services alongside the main proceedings. This jubilee marks two decades of inter-treasury cooperation, knowledge sharing, and continuous capacity building for public treasuries worldwide, consolidating their role in service of sustainable development and future-ready financial governance.