UNEP FI has over 50 members in Africa and Middle East, including approximately 35 banks and 15 insurers. Work in the region focuses on sharing industry best practice and building capacity on sustainability issues amongst financial institutions, including climate action, nature, just transition and financial health and inclusion. Working in collaboration with regional members and partners, activities in the region include delivering tools and resources to support members in the implementation of UNEP FI frameworks to integrating sustainability in their core business practices. Key priorities also focus on engagement with stakeholders in the sustainable finance space including regulators, industry associations, local sustainability networks and policy makers.

Highlights
  • UNEP FI Global Roundtable: UNEP FI is bringing the 19th edition of the Global Roundtable to London, to host one of the UN’s largest sustainable finance-focused events during London Climate Action Week (22-26 June). The theme, ‘From Risk to Resilience: Financing the Future’, reflects the growing need across the financial industry to lead with vision, integrity, and impact for a resilient future. For more information, visit this page. 
  • UNEP FI Regional Roundtable: The Regional Roundtable on Sustainable Finance for Africa and Middle East was held in Marrakech, Morocco. Watch the event recordings here and stay tuned for more on the 2027 edition of the roundtable.

 

Key focus

The workplan for 2026 for the region highlights the following priorities:

We will continue supporting members in the implementation of UNEP FI and sustainability frameworks and commitments, in adherence with regulatory requirements. This will be done through streamlined group support and bilateral engagement. These activities also include the engagement of members for regional implementation support, in line with their priorities and requirements. For example, in 2026, we will host the Climate Series for Africa and Middle East.

We will continue facilitating the sharing of insights and best practices through knowledge exchange and engagement opportunities such as our Africa and Middle East Engagement Forum. These activities will help build interlinkages between various existing frameworks such as the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB), Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI), and the Vulnerable 20 Sustainable Insurance Facility (V20 SIF).

In partnership with other organizations and standard setters, we will convene finance networks, facilitate partnerships, enhance regulatory engagement and build capacity to raise awareness at the executive level within organizations. This will enhance dialogue between decision makers, their organizations and partners to strengthen the societal and corporate commitments that address climate, nature and social issues that are most relevant to the region.

 

Are you already a UNEP FI member? Find the latest regional news, key resources and more in the Members’ Area.

 

Regional Implementation Programme & Training

UNEP FI has a range of training and region-specific activities in online and workshop formats. Find the full the offering on the Learning and Development for Finance Professionals section. Please note that the tutor-led online courses on environmental and social risk analysis, as well as on climate change risks in the banking sector are offered in French and English.

UNEP FI also offers a wide range of implementation support activities to members, consisting of regionally tailored workshops designed to support finance professionals implement frameworks such as the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB). These activities cover climate change, nature, financial health and inclusion and human rights. Access the Africa & Middle East Members‘ Area page to learn about the host of activities on offer this year. For further questions, please contact the Africa & Middle East Team.

Public activities for the Africa & Middle East region can be accessed here.