Key Impact Points:
- €7.5M commitment: Ireland is funding the UNDP Project Office with €7.5 million from 2025–2027.
- Global coordination hub: The Dublin office will serve over 40 countries, aligning finance with climate, nature, and SDG goals.
- UNDP’s first presence in Ireland: Marks a major milestone in Ireland’s bid to lead in global sustainable finance innovation.
Ireland Anchors Global Sustainable Finance Innovation
Ireland and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have jointly announced the launch of a new Global Project Office for Sustainable Finance in Dublin, unveiled during the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.
Backed by €7.5 million in Irish Government support over three years, the office will operate as a global hub to advance sustainable finance solutions, foster international collaboration, and support the alignment of financial flows with climate, nature, and development goals.
“This new UNDP Project Office reflects Ireland’s ambition to be at the heart of shaping global sustainable finance,” said Paschal Donohoe, T.D., Ireland’s Minister for Finance. “At a time when the world faces immense climate, nature, and development challenges, aligning public and private finance to deliver real impact is essential.”
A First for UNDP in Ireland
The Dublin-based office will be the UNDP’s first formal presence in Ireland. It will host the secretariats of the Financial Centres for Sustainability (FC4S) and the Sustainable Insurance Forum (SIF) under the UNDP Sustainable Finance Hub.
Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, noted: “Finance is one of the most powerful tools we have to tackle climate change, nature loss, and inequality. Through this new Project Office, and with Ireland’s leadership and vision, UNDP is creating a global platform that connects financial centres, regulators, and markets with the needs of people and planet.”
Building Tools, Partnerships, and Influence
The office will develop and scale financial instruments such as:
- Nature-related investment tools
- Gender-responsive finance mechanisms
- Transition finance frameworks
- Digital solutions for low-emissions and inclusive growth
It will also support Ireland’s broader role in international finance and diplomacy, engaging in forums like the G20, APEC, the UN climate negotiations, and the Financing for Development process (FfD4).
Why Dublin?
Ireland’s strong international financial services sector and national strategy—Ireland for Finance—make it an ideal host. The project is supported through partnerships between the Irish government, UNDP, and key stakeholders in both public and private sectors.
“Dublin’s blend of innovation, talent and international financial reach makes it an ideal partner for this mission,” said Steiner.
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