Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN)

On February 25th, 2025, Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) hosted the webinar “Unlocking the Potential of Biodiversity and Blue Finance," as part of the 2025 SBFN Webinar Series. The webinar featured experts Irina Likhachova and Pushkala Ratan from IFC - International Finance Corporation, Wang Xin from People's Bank of China, and SBFN Global Coordinator, Rong Zhang, to discuss key trends, opportunities, and practical application of biodiversity and blue finance. ?? ?????? ??????????????????: ? The green, social, and sustainable finance market has the potential to bridge the $700 billion - $1.1 trillion annual financing gap, with the financial sector playing a crucial role in transforming economies to regenerative models to halt and reverse nature loss. ? IFC’s Biodiversity Finance Reference Guide and Guidelines for Blue Finance provide investors and financial institutions with a practical framework to navigate investment barriers and establish clear eligibility criteria for biodiversity and blue finance activities.? ? Developing a Biodiversity Finance Taxonomy requires interdisciplinary expertise and close collaboration with regulatory authorities to effectively define and measure biodiversity conservation efforts. ??Watch the recording: https://lnkd.in/dqFpQRdY ?? Read the webinar material: https://lnkd.in/d9Z6Z5rq #SBFN #BiodiversityFinance #BlueFinance #SustainableFinance #IFC #GreenFinance?

As demand for green investments grows, financial institutions need clear, science-based classification systems to align with global climate goals. Today, over 30 green taxonomies exist worldwide, yet interoperability remains a challenge. Join SBFN and The Alliance for Green Commercial Banks for an expert discussion on: ?? The role of green taxonomies in sustainable finance ?? Insights from the COP29 Roadmap on interoperability and comparability ?? How banks can navigate multiple taxonomies and drive the green transition ?? Date: February 27, 2024 ? Time: 14:30–15:30 HKT ?? Registration:?https://lnkd.in/gp8H4Q6p Learn more ??

Join us for the Biodiversity and Blue Finance webinar, part of the 2025 Webinar Series of the Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN), featuring experts from IFC - International Finance Corporation and People's Bank of China. Gain insights into emerging trends, opportunities, and real-world experiences in Biodiversity Finance and Blue Finance, for integrating these financing mechanisms into national frameworks. ?? February 25th, 2025 ? ?? 8:00-9:00am EST ???Register here: https://lnkd.in/eF85zhe9 WHY ATTEND?? ????????????? ???????? ?????????????????????????? of the economic and environmental relevance and opportunities of Biodiversity and Blue Finance for sustainable growth.? ????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????? on practical approaches for integrating Biodiversity and Blue Finance into national taxonomies and regulatory frameworks.? ????????????????? ????????-?????????? ???????????????????????? and tools from peer countries to implement these strategies in your own financial system. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eYMQ_Bki Rong Zhang | Irina Likhachova | Pushkala Ratan

On January 29, 2025, the ?????? ?????????? ?????????????? ?????????????? (????????), in collaboration with the Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN), the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance (Bundesministerium für Finanzen), and the ???????????????? ?????? ???????????????????? ?????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? (????????), hosted the inaugural session of the Green Banking Webinar Series "?????????????? ?????? ????????????: ?????? ???????????? ?????? ???????????????????????? ???? ?????????????? ??????????????." During the event, Rong Zhang, Global Coordinator of SBFN, joined other industry leaders to discuss key trends and opportunities in climate and sustainable finance: 1. ?????????????????? ???? ?????????????????????? ?????????????? ????????????????????: Emerging markets are increasingly adopting holistic sustainable finance frameworks that address ESG risks and opportunities across the financial ecosystem, from banking to capital markets. 2. ?????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????????????????: Regulatory and industry efforts are strengthening enforcement through incentives, capacity building, and collaboration, ensuring effective policy implementation. 3. ???????? ?????? ???????????????????????????????? ?????? ??????????????????????????: The growing issuance of thematic bond guidelines and sustainable finance taxonomies highlights the urgent need for interoperability and comparability across financial markets. ??Watch the recording: https://lnkd.in/ei4t9b5x #ClimateFinance #SustainableFinance #TaxonomyInteroperability #LAC #Europe?#SBFN IFC - International Finance Corporation

???? Did you know that expectations for climate finance in Latin America and Europe are remarkably high due to the persistent USD 5 trillion gap by 2030? Both regions are playing key roles in this effort. At #COP29 in #Baku, commitments to increase funding for climate adaptation and resilience were highlighted. Looking ahead to COP30 in Belém, these commitments are expected to be solidified and translated into tangible actions, with a focus on innovative financial instruments to close the existing financing gap. Join us for the fifth session of the Green Banking Webinar Series, hosted by the IFC Green Banking Academy (GBAC) for Latin America and Europe, in collaboration with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance and the Facility for Investment Climate Advisory Services (FIAS) ?In this webinar, we’ll explore: ? Key trends and opportunities for climate finance in 2025. ? Insights from COP29 in Baku, #Azerbaijan, including breakthroughs in climate adaptation funding and private sector engagement. ? Expectations for #COP30 in #Belém, #Brazil, focusing on innovative financial tools and the pivotal role of the Amazon and regional biodiversity. ?? Wednesday, January 29, 2025 ?? 3:00 pm (Vienna) ?? Register here:?https://wrld.bg/IX3B50ULSU2 For more information about IFC’s Green Banking Academy Europe (GBAC): https://ecagbac.org/ ? Liliana Pozzo | Marcela Ponce Perez | Ines Rocha | Rong Zhang | Rustam Tahirov | Luiza Sidonio Rodrigues | Iuliana Tiba | Leila Huseynli ? ?? #SustainableFinance ?#GreenBankingAcademy ?#COP30 #ClimateEmergency #ClimateAction

?? ?????????????????? ?????? ??????????????????: ???????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ?????????????????? ???? ???????????????? ?????????????? Join IFC’s ???????????? ?????? ?????????????? ?????????? ?????????????? for a webinar that explores the latest developments in sustainability disclosure standards. Through an expert panel discussion, the event will focus on implementation, interoperability, and practical strategies to bridge disclosure standards in emerging markets. The event will also feature a benchmarking assessment conducted by Mott MacDonald, comparing the IFC Disclosure and Transparency Framework with ISSB, ESRS, and GRI standards. This analysis will provide actionable insights to help companies in emerging markets align with evolving global sustainability requirements. Organized in collaboration with IFC's Integrated ESG Advisory Program, and in partnership with SECO Economic Cooperation and Development , International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), EFRAG, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative. ?? January 28, 2025? ?? 08:30-10:00 am (EST)? ?? Register: https://lnkd.in/d4TtMvNb? ?? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dWRKC5gb #ESGReporting #BeyondTheBalanceSheet #IFRS #Sustainability #GRI #EFRAG #UNSSE?IFC - International Finance Corporation

We are pleased to announce that Rong Zhang, SBFN Global Coordinator, will participate in the upcoming session of the IFC - International Finance Corporation Green Banking Webinar Series. This session will explore key trends in #ClimateFinance, critical insights from #COP29, and forward-looking expectations for #COP30. ?? January 29, 2025 ?? 09:00 am (DC) / 3:00 pm (Vienna) ?? Register: https://wrld.bg/HRba50UInNY Learn more ??

We are pleased to kick off the new year by sharing a thought-provoking blog post?by Alfonso García Mora, SBFN Chair and IFC Vice President for Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean,?titled "?????????????? ?? ?????????????? ???????????? ???? 2050: ???????????? ?????? ?????????? ?????????????? ??????."?His insights highlight the critical steps needed to combat climate change, foster resilience, and ensure a sustainable and inclusive planet for future generations: ?????????????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????: Shifting capital toward sustainable infrastructure and economies unlocks opportunities, creates stability, mitigates risks, and reduces costs—a smart and responsible business move. ?????????????????????? ?????????????????? ??????????????????????: Thematic bonds and green taxonomies are crucial in mobilizing large-scale climate finance, allowing investors to align their capital with specific environmental and social outcomes while delivering competitive financial returns. ??????????????????????????: Blended finance, through grants, guarantees, and below-market debt or equity, is critical for making climate-friendly projects bankable, leveraging significant private sector investment and maximizing the impact of public funds. ?? Read the full blog: https://lnkd.in/e5vR3s9h #SustainableFinance #SBFN #BlendedFinance #ClimateFinance?

?? ???????????????????? ???? ???? ?????????????????? ???????? ???? ????????! As 2024 comes to a close, we take pride in the strides made in advancing sustainable finance and fostering resilient economies across emerging markets. This year, with the unwavering commitment of our members, partners, and stakeholders, SBFN achieved significant milestones: ?? Welcomed ???? ?????? ?????????????? ???????? ?? ??????????????????, expanding our network to ???? ?????????????? ???????????? ???? ?????????????????? ?? https://lnkd.in/giqEvZdP ?? Launched the ???????? ???????? ????????????, the first interactive database tracking sustainable finance progress in emerging markets ?? https://lnkd.in/d-jWv2kV ?? Released the ???????? ???????????? ???????????????? ??????????, showcasing the significant progress of member countries across our three pillars of sustainable finance. Since 2012, 48 countries have launched over 400 policy frameworks ?? https://lnkd.in/dmveQC2G ?? Hosted the ???????? ?????? ???????????? ?????????????? in Rio de Janeiro, gathering 140 speakers and participants from 60 countries to share insights and strategies for tackling challenges in emerging markets ?? https://lnkd.in/eNCJKRva ?? Unveiled the ?????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????????????? ???? ?????????????????????? ?????????????? ???????????????????? at COP29, in partnership with the Az?rbaycan Respublikas?n?n M?rk?zi Bank? / Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan, IPSF, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ?? https://lnkd.in/emUrK7wt Looking ahead, the urgency for the financial sector to lead the climate response has never been greater. Together, we will continue driving systemic transformation to align with global goals, fostering resilient, inclusive, and sustainable financial systems. Let’s step into 2025 energized to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. #SustainableFinance #EmergingMarkets #SBFN IFC - International Finance Corporation Rong Zhang

The latest issue of the ?????? ???? ???????????????????????? ?????????????? newsletter by Irina Likhachova, Global Biodiversity and Nature Finance Lead at IFC - International Finance Corporation, offers a comprehensive recap of major global events,?key initiatives, and market developments in biodiversity finance. Here are the highlights most relevant to SBFN members: ?? ?????? ???????????????? ???????????????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????? ?????? ???????????? ?????????????????? that provides impact reporting metrics for each activity qualifying under IFC’s market-shaping Biodiversity Finance References Guide: https://lnkd.in/ePDV32sN ??The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) released draft guidance on nature transition planning, helping financial institutions develop and disclose transition plans in alignment with @TNFD's recommended disclosures: https://lnkd.in/gqj7rGiB ?????????? introduced a draft roadmap to improve access to high-quality nature-related data: https://lnkd.in/eAQsC3SC ???????? International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits ?????????????????? ?? ?????????????????? to support high-integrity biodiversity credit markets. The discussion around biodiversity has shifted over the past two years from “?????? ???? ???? ?????????????????? ???? ???????????? ???? ????????????” to “?????? ???? ???? ????.” These developments focus on the “how” and provide actionable steps to expand capital flows to biodiversity. ?? Read the newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eWTWbnfN #GreenFinance #SustainableFinance #BiodiversityFinance #NatureFinance