From May 27 to 31, 2024, ADFIAP, through its training arm, the ADFIAP Institute organized a comprehensive international seminar-workshop in Manila, Philippines, focused on the crucial theme of “Fostering Sustainable Finance and Development.” The event brought together participants from various Asian countries, all united in their dedication to advancing sustainable finance practices in the region.
ADFIAP believes creating a more sustainable future requires an all-hands-on-deck approach from development financing institutions (DFI). To support DFIs, the Association conducted an international seminar-workshop on Fostering Sustainable Finance and Development to equip development finance officers and practitioners with the tools essential to promoting sustainable finance.
A total of 18 development finance officers from various DFIs in 6 countries attended the seminar-workshop: Agriculture and Rural Development Bank of Cambodia (3), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development of India (3), PT Serana Multi Infranstruktur (Persero) of Indonesia (3), Development Bank of Kiribati (1), Sabah Credit Corporation of Malaysia (4), Landbank of the Philippines (1), Philippine Small Business Corporation (2) and Landbankers’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative (1).
Major topics covered included Fundamentals of Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Finance Pillars, Sustainable Finance Development Sources and Market Trends, ESG Risks in Banks, ASEAN Taxonomy or Sustainable Finance, Mainstreaming ESG Risks and Sustainability into Risk Management and Governance, Sustainable Finance Product Types, Frontier Technologies in Sustainable Finance, and Sustainable Finance Action Plan. The application of theories was made more valuable and enriching for the participants through group activities and exercises such as case studies and role-playing.
The five-day seminar workshop served as a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and capacity building among key stakeholders in the financial and development sectors. With sustainability becoming an increasingly pressing issue globally, the discussions and insights shared during the event were more relevant than ever.
As the development financial sector holds enormous power in finding and bringing awareness to issues of sustainability, the course participants now play a significant role in influencing investment decisions that consider the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and attendant risks of an economic activity or project that will be financed by DFIs.
The success of the Seminar Workshop is a testament to the growing momentum around sustainable finance in Asia and the commitment of stakeholders to work together towards a more sustainable future. As the region continues to face complex challenges related to climate change, inequality, and environmental degradation, events like these play a crucial role in empowering individuals and organizations to be part of the solution, and in the coming years, it is hoped that the insights and collaborations forged during this workshop will contribute to the acceleration of sustainable finance practices in Asia, leading to a more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable future for all.
This international seminar-workshop has been successfully conducted by the ADFIAP Consulting Team, headed by Ms. Cora Conde, Group Head, Mr. Vic Abainza, Ms. Arlene Orencia, Ms. Cecile Ibarra, Ms. Cristina Aquino, Ms. Emy Chaves, and Ms. Carmen Cintura. Through their dedication and expertise, the event provided valuable insights and knowledge on sustainable finance and facilitated a profound cultural exchange that enriched the participants’ perspectives and inspired them to champion sustainable development in their respective regions.
