329-134 SDG Bonds | Leveraging Capital Markets for the SDGs

Summary

This guide explores the role of the bond market – the largest asset class in the global financial markets – in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With US$ 6.7 trillion of annual issuance, bonds can provide a cheap, reliable and scalable source of capital for a variety of stakeholders involved in the implementation of Agenda 2030, including companies, governments, cities and public-private partnerships. SDG bonds also provide an answer to the lack of SDG investment opportunities for institutional investors. A diverse portfolio of SDG Bonds, including sovereign, municipal, corporate and project bonds across developed and emerging markets could fulfill mainstream investors’ growing demand for impact while matching their risk-return appetite.

Thumbnail image for This guide explores the role of the bond market – the largest asset class in the global financial markets – in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With US$ 6.7 trillion of annual issuance, bonds can provide a cheap, reliable and scalable source of capital for a variety of stakeholders involved in the implementation of Agenda 2030, including companies, governments, cities and public-private partnerships. SDG bonds also provide an answer to the lack of SDG investment opportunities for institutional investors. A diverse portfolio of SDG Bonds, including sovereign, municipal, corporate and project bonds across developed and emerging markets could fulfill mainstream investors’ growing demand for impact while matching their risk-return appetite.

Issuer

United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)

Year

2019

Region

International

Issuer (type)

United Nations Global Compact Office (International)

Policy Type

Other sustainability policy

Geographical scope

International

Mandatory or voluntary

Voluntary

Main industries targeted

Finance & Insurance
Transportation & Warehousing
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting
Construction

Restrictiveness

High

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 1: No Poverty
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 10: Reduced Inequality
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 15: Life on Land
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals