In a significant shift to the international climate negotiation landscape, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) announced the introduction of two global “mini-COPs”—officially branded as “Global Climate Weeks”—as a precursor to the annual UN Climate Change Conference (COP30). This innovative approach marks a departure from the traditional
Key Impact Points: Climate Finance Shortfall Threatens Global Stability The COP29 climate summit in Baku ended without sufficient agreements on climate finance. High-income countries pledged vaguely to “take the lead” in raising $300 billion annually by 2035, relying on unspecified sources. This lack of clarity fails the urgency required to
Key Impact Points: Groundbreaking Social Finance Initiative Standard Chartered has launched its first-ever Social Bond, issuing EUR1 billion aimed primarily at financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), healthcare, education, essential infrastructure, and food security projects in emerging markets. Around USD4.2 trillion in annual investment is needed across emerging markets to
Key Impact Points: New Leadership Strengthens Sustainability One Earth has announced the appointment of Will Peterffy to its Board of Directors. As Founder and CEO of One Small Planet, Peterffy brings a robust track record in sustainability-focused business practices and innovative financial solutions aimed at environmental health. Peterffy stated: “Since
Key Impact Points: Accelerating Momentum in Nature Finance Private finance for nature surged dramatically, reaching USD 102 billion in circulation in 2024—up significantly from USD 9.4 billion in 2020, according to UNEP FI’s recent insights. A new iteration of the State of Finance for Nature report by UNEP, integrating fresh
Key Impact Points: Withdrawal from Just Energy Transition Partnership The United States has officially withdrawn from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a critical financing initiative aimed at assisting countries like South Africa and Vietnam transition from coal-based energy to sustainable sources. This initiative, launched at COP26 in Glasgow in
Key Takeaways: Sustainability Finance on the Rise A new study conducted with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) analyzed 104 companies in emerging markets, revealing a significant shift toward sustainable finance. Over half (51%) of companies are using green finance instruments, with green bonds (53%) as the most common, followed by
Key Takeaways: High-Level Roundtable on Sustainable Finance The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) convened a high-impact Executive Roundtable on Sustainable Finance in Singapore, focusing on mobilizing private and institutional capital for sustainable development in Asia-Pacific. The region faces an annual $1.5 trillion SDG financing
Key Takeaways: Driving Responsible Banking Practices The UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) has expanded its Responsible Banking Case Study Series with four new reports, offering insights into how banks worldwide are integrating sustainability into their strategies, products, and services. These cases illustrate practical applications of the Principles for
Key Takeaways Strengthening Sustainable Investment in EMEA BlackRock has named Louise Kooy-Henckel as the EMEA Head of Sustainable and Transition Solutions (STS). Based in London, she will report to Global Head of STS Helen Lees-Jones and lead efforts to expand BlackRock’s sustainable investment strategies in the region. In an internal
