Established in 1959, the IDB provides loans, grants, technical assistance, and conducts research to support the development of the region. With 48 member countries, including 26 Latin American and Caribbean borrowing members, the IDB is committed to achieving measurable results and increasing integrity, transparency, and accountability. Through its Fund for Special Operations, the IDB provides concessional financing to its most vulnerable member countries. The IDB's work focuses on improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean by partnering with member countries to provide research, policy advice, and technical assistance for the planning and execution of development projects.