SDG Investment Forum

The green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked bond (GSSSB) market will rise at nearly the same pace as conventional bond issuance for the second consecutive year, reaching $950 billion - $1.05 trillion and could represent 14% of total bond issuance in 2024, according to S&P Global research.

SDG-aligned investments have the potential to generate substantial growth opportunities for business, while also creating positive social and environmental outcomes. Efficient capital markets could play a key role in strengthening the UK’s competitiveness by supporting businesses in scaling and accessing capital markets domestically. By issuing SDG Bonds, UK companies can access new pools of capital that are specifically earmarked for sustainable projects. They can provide the necessary capital for companies to grow sustainably while also meeting global sustainability standards, making them more attractive to both domestic and international investors.

On the 7th of November, the UN Global Compact Network hosted the SDG Investment Forum, bringing together corporate investment and finance leaders to explore how SDG-aligned investments can drive sustainable business growth while creating positive social and environmental impacts.

Key topics discussed included building resilient capital markets through sustainability-linked financial products, unlocking investment opportunities with GSSS bonds, and strategies for mobilising finance for a just transition to ensure equitable climate action and inclusive investment.

Collaboration emerged as a powerful theme throughout the day, especially during the "Mobilising Finance for a Just Transition" workshop. The session highlighted that fostering partnerships between stakeholders - governments, businesses, and financial institutions - is critical for addressing key challenges such as data utilisation, regulatory alignment, and the inclusion of the Global South. By working together, participants envisioned bold solutions, from reframing market risk frameworks to supporting decarbonisation in supply chains, driving both social and environmental impact. To dive deeper into these actionable insights, below is the summary of the workshop: