News

As COP30 in Belém, Brazil drew to a close, Remco Fischer, Head of Climate for UNEP FI, and members of UNEP FI's Latin America and Caribbean-based team reflected on key outcomes from the climate negotiations, Brazil’s leadership, and private sector engagement on climate change these past two weeks—and have set out some of the implications for the global finance sector.

A new white paper jointly developed by UNEP FI and partners lays groundwork for a future guide that aims to channel more finance towards building adaptation and resilience capacity in support of the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance.

Read this article written by Eric Usher, Head of UNEP FI, for Eco-Business, on how financial institutions can make the most of the economic growth opportunity of the century.

UNEP FI and PRB signatories had a strong presence in the lead-up to COP30 and on the ground in Belém demonstrating how the responsible banking community are demonstrating leadership in advancing climate and nature goals.

Policymakers gathered at COP should provide roadmaps to ensure that the promises of the 2023 Global Stocktake translate into concrete delivery.

On 6 November 2025, UNEP FI and MSCI Institute convened at the PRI in Person event in São Paulo. Joined by leaders from Harvard, Amundi, and Itaú, the panel discussion drew on MSCI’s analysis of PRB member banks, exploring the financial implications of sustainability commitments. The session presented a deep dive into how responsible banking correlates with stronger ESG performance and lower cost of capital, with broader relevance across sectors and investment strategies. In conclusion, responsible banking practices, when embedded and rigorous, were shown to deliver not just positive societal impact but tangible business value.

The transition to a sustainable economy is urgent, but it must be fair to all. This is especially true for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC): one of the most climate-vulnerable regions facing persistent social inequalities. UNEP FI’s latest report provides practical guidance on how banks and insurers operating in LAC can integrate just transition principles across their organizations.

Belém, Brazil, November 2025 — The United Nations-convened Forum for Insurance Transition (FIT) today unveiled a landmark global guide that…

The UN-convened Net-Zero Export Credit Agencies Alliance (NZECA) launches its first progress report in conjunction with Trade and Finance Day at COP30, detailing how it is working to align USD 338 billion of export support with pathways to net zero by 2050. Alongside the report, the alliance releases a paper on tailoring GHG accounting methodologies for trade finance.

Key developments in the COP30 negotiation process indicate a possible breakthrough in the establishment of a UN-regulated carbon market. Eric Usher, Head of UNEP FI, outlines what we can expect to be agreed and highlights some of the risks and opportunities for financial institutions.