Experts stress sustainable financing for climate resilience, development initiatives

The global sustainable finance market reached USD$919 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $1.1 trillion in 2026, while Bangladesh is also witnessing significant growth in sustainable financing, speakers said at the “Sustainable Finance Summit 2026” held in the capital on Thursday.

According to recent data presented at the summit, sustainable financing in Bangladesh amounted to Tk83.75 billion during the October–December quarter of 2025, accounting for 35.87% of total disbursed loans, said a press release.

Speakers said the trend reflects Bangladesh’s growing economic dynamism, although blended and sustainable financing mechanisms remain essential to strengthening long-term growth, addressing climate-related risks, and expanding social welfare initiatives.

The day-long summit was held at a hotel in Dhaka and organised by LightCastle Partners with support from the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, United Nations Capital Development Fund, Netherlands-based impact investment firm Truvalu Bangladesh, and Startup Bangladesh Limited.

The summit aimed to mobilize blended finance and expand the sustainable finance market in Bangladesh.

Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli formally inaugurated the event. Chief Technology Adviser of the Aspire to Innovate (a2i) project under the ICT ministry Masud Rahman attended as guest of honour.

In his inaugural speech, Ambassador Reto Renggli said sustainable finance is no longer a niche issue but an essential element for building an inclusive and future-ready economy.

“Sustainable finance is no longer a niche agenda. It is essential for building an inclusive and future-ready economic foundation,” he said.

The ambassador also praised Bangladesh’s progress in climate resilience and financial inclusion and expressed hope that the summit would help unlock investment opportunities and partnerships.

Speaking at the event, Masud said Bangladesh is at a critical stage where innovation, technology, and sustainable finance must advance together.

“In this context, the government is placing significant emphasis on supporting entrepreneurs through the strengthening of digital infrastructure,” he said.

A keynote presentation titled “From Pledges to Projects: Unlocking the Next Trillion in Sustainable Finance” was delivered by Bijon Islam.

Bijon said the next phase of sustainable finance in Bangladesh would depend on creating an integrated investment ecosystem capable of attracting private capital through structural reforms, stronger public-private partnerships, and investment-ready projects.

The summit featured three panel discussions focusing on blended finance, ESG-based capital development, and the future of corporate responsibility in Bangladesh.

A separate presentation on Bangladesh’s corporate sustainability and CSR landscape highlighted how corporate social responsibility has evolved from traditional activities into a strategic tool for sustainable and inclusive growth.

One of the major highlights of the summit was the announcement of two new investment funds — the “ORE-2 Fund” and the “Bangladesh Impact Fund.”

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The funds were jointly unveiled by Bijon Islam and Managing Director of Truvalu Bangladesh Sharawwat Islam.

According to organisers, the funds aim to ensure accessible financing for promising small and growing businesses across the country and are expected to play a major role in promoting sustainable growth and expanding investment opportunities for entrepreneurs.

More than 200 policymakers, financiers, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem stakeholders participated in the summit.