UNEP FI has over 40 members, including approximately 17 banks and 23 insurance members in Bermuda, Canada, and the United States. We work with members and stakeholders in the region to advance the adoption and integration of sustainability frameworks and practices in the financial industry whilst addressing region-specific challenges and issues. Our work in the region focuses on enhancing the understanding, and embedding, of sustainability principles within financial institutions and across the industry. This includes the development of methodologies and approaches that support the industry in financing a transition that minimizes risk exposure to the financial system whilst supporting growth and job creation for local economies and communities. UNEP FI works with regional partners and stakeholders including regulators, industry associations, academia and policymakers to highlight the role of sustainable finance in an equitable transition and sustainable growth.  

Regional Highlights
  • For banks with relevant and sizeable operations in the EU jurisdictions: UNEP FI’s new implementation programme of members-only webinars will feature key aspects of CSRD/ESRS implementation, particularly focusing on the challenges banks face at different stages in the process. These tailored sessions will empower members with practical guidance to dive deeper into key regulatory issues and discover how to apply to their own institution. Find out more here. If you are a UNEP FI member, please visit this page to register. 

 

Key focus

The workplan for 2024 for the region highlights the following priorities:

Provide a platform for North American signatories to exchange ideas and best practice around sustainable finance. Raise awareness of specific environmental and social issues, research and emerging global practices in sustainable finance and its impact on the region. Stakeholders interest to know more about opportunities to engage can send a message to Layalee Ramahi.

Support members address and identify risks and opportunities related to social and environmental issues relevant for the industry. Provide capacity building and advance the industry leadership and advocacy for building a sustainable and just energy transition.

UNEP FI actively promotes increased regional participation in sustainable finance through ongoing dialogue with stakeholders. States, provinces, and cities across the region are actively working on climate mitigation and adaptation roadmaps for a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient future. A central focus of discussion involves financing the energy transition, engaging all relevant stakeholders, including legislators, civil society, indigenous communities, and the financial sector.

 

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 in workshop formats. For further information on each of these offerings, please visit the Learning and Development for Finance Professionals section.

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) and Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA). These activities cover climate adaptation, nature, financial health and inclusion and most recently, climate mitigation in collaboration with GFANZ. Access the full calendar and check for updates in the Members‘ Area. Please contact Gabor Gyura for any questions on the regional implementation programme and Fernando Salazar de Lara for climate mitigation activities.

Non-members can also view the different activities they have access to in their regions here.

 

Regional Resources

Nature-Positive Insurance (NPI) Working Group

In September 2023 the Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) published the briefing paper “Nature-Positive Insurance: Evolving Thinking and Practices” which endorsed the need for a roadmap for the insurance sector to develop skills and capacity on nature through a working group.

Building on this, the PSI has launched a Nature-Positive Insurance (NPI) Working Group for members, focusing on the development of insurance-led approaches and guidance to i) build capacity on nature-related risk assessments and disclosures (TNFD) and ii) develop understanding of the role insurers can play in contributing to the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Learn more on Nature Positive Insurance here.

 

Closing the protection gap in Canada: A social sustainability framework for the Canadian life and health insurance industry

Developed by the PSI’s Canadian Insurance Industry Task Force Social Thematic Working Group, this paper is a first step by the Canadian insurance industry to tackle and discuss climate change adaptation considerations and define the role that the insurance industry can play in helping individuals, especially the most vulnerable. Learn more and download the paper here.