Sub-national debt management in difficult times was the theme of a World Bank conference held in Warsaw on 15-16 October, 2012, which examined the impact of the current global crisis on debt and debt management at the sub-national level in Poland. Major issues discussed included the use and limitations of risk indicators in debt management, key factors influencing decisions on how to finance a deficit, the challenges of implementing medium-term financial plans, as well as the roles and responsibilities of debt managers.
In addition, the conference explored current and topical issues in sub-national public finance, and facilitated a dialogue on ways for Polish local authorities to strengthen debt and financial management, including managing market risks, optimizing debt and investment portfolios, and improving medium term financial planning.
Panelists and participants included representatives of the central government (Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Regional Development, Ministry of Administration and Digitization), treasurers and directors of debt departments from nine regions and eight of Poland’s biggest cities, as well as academia.