News

2019 in review: UNEP FI membership tops 300 as finance sector steps up on sustainable finance

19 December 2019

2019 was a year of stellar achievement for UNEP FI and its members. In October, shortly after successful launches at the UN General Assembly in New York, our membership reached a tally of 300 banks, insurers and investors from around the globe. This review of the year provides highlights and we would like to use this opportunity to thank our members, supporting institutions and sponsors for their dedication to promoting sustainable finance and ensuring a more resilient, low-carbon future for all.

Canadian Members of UNEP FI Sign Statement of Support to the Final Report of the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance

6 December 2019

Several Canadian members of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative support the final recommendations of Canada’s Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance – Mobilizing Finance for Sustainable Growth. A statement that affirms financial institutions commitment to support the transition to a sustainable economy. The membership-led effort convened twelve organizations to affirm their commitment to mobilize […]

UNEP FI Regional Roundtable Europe 2019: Highlights

5 December 2019

The UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), Luxembourg for Finance (LFF) and Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) joined forces for three days to welcome over 500 sustainable finance professionals to Luxembourg on 28-30 November 2019. The events, co-hosted by the Luxembourg Ministry of Finance and Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development, created a […]

Groundbreaking work to assess real-world sustainability impact for investors: A Legal Framework for Impact

27 November 2019

On 27 November 2019, United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and The Generation Foundation announced the launch of pioneering research with global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP (‘Freshfields’) to analyse whether and how legal frameworks allow for – and incentivise – investors to consider sustainability impact […]

The 1.5°C goal is on the brink of becoming impossible: Get the numbers on global emissions in latest UNEP Report

26 November 2019

  UN Environment Programme’s Emission Gap Report, published today, finds that collective ambition must increase more than fivefold over current levels to deliver the cuts needed over the next decade to achieve the 1.5°C goal. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that going beyond 1.5°C will increase the frequency and intensity of […]

VIDEO: Fiduciary Duty in the 21st Century – From a Legal Case to Regulatory Clarification Around ESG

25 November 2019

During the 21st century there has been a marked growth in responsible investment regulation and policy around the globe. Investors that fail to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are failing their fiduciary duties and are increasingly likely to be subject to legal challenge. Hear from governments, regulators, and investors how they are supporting […]

An updated look at Fiduciary Duty in the 21st Century: incorporation of ESG issues required and increasingly clarified in regulation

22 October 2019

UNEP FI and the PRI provide an updated look at Fiduciary duty in the 21st Century with the release of its final report. In 2014, the PRI, UNEP FI and additional UN partners identified the misinterpretation of fiduciary duties as the primary barrier to environmental, social and governance (ESG) incorporation in investment practice. The Fiduciary […]

UNEP FI Regional Roundtable Latin America and the Caribbean 2019: Highlights

22 October 2019

UNEP FI’s fourth Regional Roundtable on Sustainable Finance in 2019 for the Latin America and Caribbean region took place last week, with more than 330 delegates from 16 countries in attendance. The two-day event, held in São Paulo on 14-15 October, was co-organised with the Brazilian Federation of Banks (FEBRABAN), and featured a mix of […]

Taking stock of energy efficiency finance and investment by the G20: new report from UNEP FI and IPEEC presents leading practice

18 October 2019

Building on the outcomes of the G20 Global Summit on Financing Energy Efficiency, Innovation and Clean Technology which was held in Tokyo on June 12 2019, the G20 Energy Efficiency Finance Task Group (G20 EEFTG) has collated leading practices by financial institutions and participating member countries in scaling up the energy efficiency investment market to […]

Leading financial firms commit to improved transparency on the risks of climate change

24 September 2019

New York, 24 September 2019.  The Global Commission on Adaption estimates over $7 trillion of climate change-related damages over the next ten years. To respond to these challenges, 5 leading banks and investors are committing today to disclose risks and opportunities for their portfolios from the impacts of climate change by 2021. Global financial institutions […]

12 of world’s largest investors make bold commitment to net zero emissions

23 September 2019

Asset owners of the UN-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance have committed to lead the global investment industry in driving economies to carbon neutrality by 2050. Announced at the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Summit on September 23rd, 2019, the Alliance members commit to transitioning their investment portfolios to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, consistent with a […]

33 banks announce a collective commitment to climate action

23 September 2019

33 banks commit to immediate action towards aligning with global climate goals 23 September/New York To coincide with the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit, one day after the launch of the UN Principles for Responsible Banking , 33 of their Signatories with over $13 trillion in assets have today announced a Collective Commitment to Climate […]

130 banks holding USD 47 trillion in assets commit to climate action and sustainability

22 September 2019

New York, 22 September 2019 – In a massive boost for climate action and sustainability, leading banks and the United Nations today launched the Principles for Responsible Banking, with 130 banks collectively holding USD 47 trillion in assets, or one third of the global banking sector, signed up. In the Principles, launched one day ahead of […]

Introductory Training Workshop on Environmental & Social Risk Analysis in Kyrgyzstan

13 November 2019 | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

An introductory training workshop on Environmental and Social Risk Analysis (ESRA) will take place in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) on November 13th, 2019. The workshop will be organized by UNEP FI and the Ecobanking Project of INCAE Business School. Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) and the Union of Banks of Kyrgyzstan, in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

‘Principles for Responsible Banking’ and their supporting framework released following six-month consultative process — Endorsed by more than 100+ financial institutions ahead of their 22 September global launch

25 July 2019

25 July 2019, Geneva – Following a six-month public consultative process, the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) has this week released the final official versions of the UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking and their supporting framework documents. The Principles have been developed by a core group of 30 Founding Banks through […]