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# Blue Dot Network

Together with partner countries and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United States welcomed the official launch of the Blue Dot Network on April 9, 2024 at the OECD in Paris. The Blue Dot Network is a multilateral initiative aimed at advancing robust standards for global infrastructure and mobilizing investment for projects in developing countries.  

The Blue Dot Network provides an internationally recognized certification for quality infrastructure projects that are environmentally and socially sustainable, resilient, open and transparent, and economically efficient. The Blue Dot Network certification framework aligns with the most widely recognized international standards for quality infrastructure, including the G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment, the IFC Performance Standards, and the Equator Principles.  

The Blue Dot Network Secretariat, hosted at the OECD, oversees the mechanism for certifying infrastructure projects and regularly reviews the certification criteria to ensure alignment with the foremost international standards. The Blue Dot Network is governed by a Steering Committee composed of the United States, Japan, Australia, Spain, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Türkiye. Network Members who support the vision of the Blue Dot Network include Canada and Czechia.

The Blue Dot Network is supported by an Executive Consultation Group of over 200 business, civil society, trade union, and academic leaders who have contributed actively to the development of the certification framework.

On this page:

What are the Blue Dot Network’s 10 Elements?

Why do we need the Blue Dot Network?  

How does the Blue Dot Network operate? 

Frequently Asked Questions

## What are the Blue Dot Network’s 10 Elements?

The core of the Blue Dot Network certification framework is the ten BDN elements. These elements reflect a broad international consensus on the issues that should be addressed by quality infrastructure projects, with each element incorporating a range of themes: The 10 Blue Dot Network Elements.

## Why do we need the Blue Dot Network?

The OECD has estimated the global infrastructure investment gap to be USD 2.5-3.5 trillion a year, much of which is in the Global South.

While public sector funding will continue to be important for infrastructure development, the mobilization of greater private sector investment will be critical to achieve global infrastructure investment goals effectively and efficiently.

The Blue Dot Network helps close this sizable infrastructure gap by helping attract investment from the private sector, while also improving national policies, benefitting local communities, and promoting transparent, climate-smart, sustainable, and responsible investment. 

A Blue Dot Network certification signifies that an infrastructure project aligns with or exceeds international standards for quality and sustainability.

## How does the Blue Dot Network operate?

Governments or project developers interested in seeking Blue Dot Network certification for an infrastructure project can learn more about the certification process by visiting the Blue Dot Certification page.

Governments interested in joining the Blue Dot Network or learning more about its governance can contact **BlueDotNetwork@state.gov**.

##  Frequently Asked Questions 

### What does it mean for a country to join the Blue Dot Network?

Countries interested in participating actively in the governance of the Blue Dot Network can consider joining as a Steering Committee member. Joining the Steering Committee requires a one-time financial contribution as well as participation in the governance and decision-making process, including virtual monthly Steering Committee meetings.

Countries can also join the Blue Dot Network as Network Members, thereby making a commitment to quality, sustainable infrastructure. Network Members have an avenue to provide input on the Blue Dot Network and access to the 200+ member Executive Consultation Group, which includes investors, developers, and infrastructure experts.

### What other countries or partners have joined the Blue Dot Network?

Australia and Japan joined the United States in launching the Blue Dot Network concept. The United Kingdom, Spain, and Switzerland joined the Blue Dot Network Steering Committee in 2023. Türkiye joined the Steering Committee in 2024. We encourage other countries with a similar commitment to quality, sustainable infrastructure to consider joining the initiative. Countries interest in joining can reach out to **BlueDotNetwork@state.gov**.

### Can any country join?

Blue Dot Network is a multi-stakeholder initiative that brings together governments, the private sector, and civil society to encourage adoption of trusted standards for quality, global infrastructure development in an open and inclusive framework. It does not exclude any country from supporting the Blue Dot Network’s mission of promoting quality, market-driven, and private-sector led investment. The Blue Dot Network Steering Committee encourages all countries that share its vision of sustainable, quality infrastructure to consider joining the initiative. Interested governments can contact us at **BlueDotNetwork@state.gov**.

### What are the benefits of the Blue Dot Network for developing countries?

Countries that implement Blue Dot Network-certified projects can attract greater investment by building investor confidence in the quality of the project. Certified projects will embody transparency and openness, mitigating certain financing risks. Blue Dot Network certification will also benefit local communities by generating local jobs and supporting community-based economic development, enhancing access to quality infrastructure services, and ensuring that infrastructure projects comply with environmental and social safeguards and are aligned with climate goals.

### Does a country have to join the Blue Dot Network for projects within the country to get certified?

Any project that meets the certification requirements can be certified, regardless of whether the country in which it is located is a member of the Blue Dot Network.

Countries choose to join the Blue Dot Network to engage in the initiative’s governance or to help advance its vision of quality infrastructure.

### Will Blue Dot Network partner countries only work with Blue Dot Network certified projects?

Blue Dot Network partner countries can work with any projects that meet their needs and national interests. Partner countries have committed to upholding quality infrastructure standards and may prefer Blue Dot Network certified projects, but at times those projects may not meet the needs of the country.

### How can the Blue Dot Network help address the climate crisis and advance the Paris Agreement?

Blue Dot Network will play a critical role in mobilizing and aligning infrastructure investment into projects that build resilience to climate change and are aligned with the pathways towards 2050 net-zero emissions needed to keep global temperature change of 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach.

By taking a longer-term investment perspective and incorporating costs and benefits accrued over the entire infrastructure lifecycle, the Blue Dot Network will help host countries and investors realize the financial, economic, environmental, and social benefits of climate-smart infrastructure compared to alternatives that may appear cheaper in terms of up-front cost.  

## Contact Us

For more information, contact the State Department’s Blue Dot Network team at **BlueDotNetwork@State.gov**. 

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Bureau of Economic and Business AffairsDivision for International Finance and Development

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