In November 2021 the UNEP FI Leadership Council convened 20 CEOs of banks and insurers across six continents to debate how to further mainstream sustainable finance and accelerate the pace and scale of action worldwide.

The wide-ranging discussion focused on disclosure of risks and impacts, and how institutions across the sector can intensify efforts to align with global goals such as the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Download the key takeaways from the discussion. 

Download the key takeaways

 

UNEP FI’s Evolving Workplan 

As UNEP FI continues to mainstream and deepen the integration of sustainable practice across the financial industry it will be advised and guided by the Council discussion from which it takes on 3 main points of action for the coming year. These are to:  

  1. Support the IFRS International Sustainability Standards Board and mandatory disclosure standards more generally, working towards accelerating integration of sustainability impact management globally. 
      
  2. Develop engagement with regulators to build the bridge between market leadership on sustainable finance and emerging regulatory approaches to create an enabling environment for a more resilient system. 
      
  3. Collectively drive change, fostering inter-sectoral engagement between banks, insurers and investors to strengthen sustainable finance alignment across the financial system. 

In 2022 and beyond, UNEP FI will continue to convene the financial sector and key stakeholders to create systemic change, drive momentum and ambition and help members build and deliver on their commitments to ensure a positive future for people and planet.  

About the Leadership Council
The UNEP FI Leadership Council is an advisory body, formed in 2021 to further mobilise the financial sector and deepen the integration of sustainability across the industry. Chaired by Inger Andersen, United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, the Council brings together leaders of banks and insurers currently represented on one of the three elected UNEP FI governance bodies; the Global Steering Committee, the board of the Principles for Responsible Banking or the board of the Principles for Sustainable Insurance. The Council signals the importance of harnessing the unique partnership between the UN Environment Programme and the financial sector to transform the finance industry, raise the level of ambition, and embed sustainability at the heart of financial practice.