News

Elisabeth Stern: Senior Women for Climate Protection Switzerland Podcast Episode

At Building Bridges 2024, one of the standout moments came from Elisabeth Stern, a cultural anthropologist, peace and environmental activist, and a board member of KlimaSeniorinnen Switzerland, who de…

Update

Building Bridges x The Geneva Connection Podcast

Building Bridges is excited to share that the first season of The Geneva Connection podcast was recorded at Building Bridges 2024, bringing expert insights on sustainable investing, nature finance, an…

Update

Call for Action Events: Building Bridges 2025

The 6th edition of Building Bridges will take place from September 30 to October 2, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together key decision-makers from finance, business, government, civil societ…

Guest contribution

Biodiversity: A Business Imperative

The Growing Importance of Biodiversity The decline in nature threatens nearly a million species with extinction and severely ecosystem integrity, globally. In recent years, the issue has gained promin…

Guest contribution

Harnessing Impact Investing in Listed Equities to Address Global Challenges

What does it mean to invest with impact? In an era defined by unprecedented challenges, the call for transformative solutions has never been more pressing. With the global population anticipated to cl…

Guest contribution

Strengthening the financial case for unlocking the net-zero transition

The transition to a net-zero economy presents a unique opportunity for private capital to drive meaningful change while achieving attractive returns. However, to truly unlock this potential, the finan…

Guest contribution

Geopolitics & Climate Change: What investors should watch for?

Geopolitics affects the life and prosperity of countries and people across our globe with spillovers to the economy and financial markets. Especially now, with the coming US presidency of Donald Trump…

Update

Blended Finance Webinar: Unlocking Private Investment for Climate Action

On November 21, 2024, we hosted the third session of the “Constructing Change Webinar Series”, as part of the lead-up to Building Bridges 2024 in Geneva this December. Titled “Blended Finance: Unlocki…

Guest contribution

Switzerland’s path to decarbonization: head start, rocky road ahead

Switzerland, like most developed economies, is targeting net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Thanks to several advantages, resulting from both previous policy decisions and geography, the…

Guest contribution

Fostering Environmental Innovation Through Impact Investment: The Role of Startup Ecosystems

In a world grappling with complex environmental challenges, the need for transformative solutions has never been greater. From climate change to biodiversity loss, the stakes are high, and time is sho…

Guest contribution

An SRI policy built around transparency and partnerships

As part of our mission as a cantonal bank, we are committed to working for the sustainable development of society. Our socially responsible investing (SRI) policy is in line with this commitment. We s…

Guest contribution

Championing Impact Investing in Switzerland

The financial sector is one of the many players which need to strengthen their efforts to contribute to meaningful progress in achieving the SDGs. Dedicated impact investing has a special role to play…

Guest contribution

At Pictet, Marie-Laure Schaufelberger is putting sustainable finance on a permanent footing

Marie-Laure Schaufelberger is a key figure in the field of sustainable finance. Pictet Group’s Head of Sustainability, who has also served as the President of Sustainable Finance Geneva for the past t…

Guest contribution

The Rise of AI and ESG

Artificial intelligence (AI) is touching almost every corner of the global economy. But what are the implications for environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues? On the one hand, AI brings powe…

Guest contribution

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to accelerate sustainable development

Despite global efforts to combat climate change, the world is not on track to meet the Paris Agreement’s crucial goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Progress has also been slow against the…

Guest contribution

High Swiss ambitions for green finance

By 2030, Switzerland shall have become a globally leading hub for green digital finance, further empowering positive environmental and economic impact. Committed and competent entrepreneurs are just a…

Guest contribution

Investing in nature – transforming finance to build a circular bioeconomy

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are the most cost-effective approach to addressing biodiversity loss and desertification. They can also contribute over a third of the emissions reductions needed by 2030 …

Guest contribution

Circular construction principles will be essential to reach net zero by 2050

The Swiss government’s target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is a necessary aim – and one that poses major challenges for the building industry. Overcoming those challenges will require…

Guest contribution

Pushing for science-based targets together

Julius Baer is one of the first financial institutions in Switzerland to have received validation from Science Based Targets initiative on its near-term climate targets, confirming that it has a credi…

Update

The Great Wealth Transfer Webinar: Next-Gen Leaders Paving the Way for Impact

On October 31, 2024, we hosted the second session of the “Constructing Change Webinar Series,” part of our lead-up to the Building Bridges 2024, in Geneva this December. This latest sessio…

Guest contribution

Sustainability and the financial industry: The focus must change

The Swiss financial centre has developed massively in sustainability in recent years. Self-regulation is now an instrument recognized by the Federal Council to prevent greenwashing. However, the trans…

Guest contribution

How can we leverage AI’s power to bridge divides and facilitate inclusive, equitable progress?

AI has the power to accelerate solutions to global challenges and structural inequalities. But its potential to create positive human impact will depend on a responsible, purposeful and inclusive appr…

Update

Impact Lens Investing Webinar with Leaders Who Make Change Possible

On October 10, 2024, we convened industry experts for the first session of the “Constructing Change Webinar Series,” as part of the lead-up to Building Bridges 2024. This session titled, “Impact Lens …

Update

Call for Volunteers 2024

Building Bridges is seeking volunteers to support its fifth Edition from 9-12 December 2024 at CICG, Geneva. Students and other interested individuals are encouraged to apply and become part of the m…

Update

First Bridging Africa – Europe SDG Investment Summit in Nairobi, Kenya

Connecting continents for sustainable investments

Update

BUILDING BRIDGES ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF KAREN HITSCHKE AS CEO

The Building Bridges Foundation Board has appointed Karen Hitschke, as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 21, 2024.

Update

Building Bridges and UNEP FI to join forces for the 5th edition of Building Bridges

Building Bridges and the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) are joining forces to bring four days of action on sustainable finance to Geneva, Switzerland. The 5th edition of Buildin…

Guest contribution

Insights from the 2023 ESG Global Study

Capital Group’s 2023 ESG Global Study reveal shifts in investor attitudes and strategies.

Update

Global Forums gathered financial, corporate and sustainability leaders to unlock capital for the planet, people and prosperity

Building Bridges, the GIIN Impact Forum, the GSG Global Impact Summit and PRI’s Annual Conference all participated in mobilizing capital for the SDGs and build a more resilient economic system.

Guest contribution

Symbiotics Impact Report 2022: fostering financial inclusion for sustainable development

Symbiotics, the leading market access platform for investing, is at the forefront of the financial inclusion movement, driven by a mission to expand access to finance for low- and middle-income househ…

Guest contribution

Regenerative Food Systems: Finding Ways to Feed the World Without it Costing the Earth

How can we achieve food security for the world’s growing population without harming the environment and climate? The answer lies in the transition of our food systems.

Guest contribution

Climate Scenario Impacts on the Credit Book

For most banks, when considering climate change, the main financial impact is through credit risk. In this article, Owen Matthews from KPMG, discusses the methodology used to model the impact of clima…

Guest contribution

Adapt and thrive: What will the future bring?

How impact investing builds a better tomorrow

Guest contribution

Should ISSB be on Swiss companies’ radar?

The sustainability-related reporting landscape is set to get more complex in coming years. Learn more about how to best prepare to comply in this guest contribution.

Guest contribution

With food systems at breaking point, how do we feed 10bn people by 2050?

Learn more about the transformative power of agritech in our latest contribution by Fabio Sofia.

Guest contribution

Can listed equity fund managers support a shift to a more sustainable food system?

The food sector is uniquely positioned to tackle the intertwined climate–nature challenge, and the finance sector can play a substantial role. Learn more in this guest contribution.

Guest contribution

Over Ten Years of Commitment to Support and Develop Sustainable Goals

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce (CCIG) has been working on encouraging companies to embrace sustainability for more than 10 years. Learn more in this guest contribution.

Guest contribution

Robeco’s SI Open Access Initiative and SDG Framework

Robeco will present its Sustainable Investing Open Access Initiative at Building Bridges 2023. Learn more about this platform in this guest contribution.

Guest contribution

Energy transition leaders offer new investment opportunities

How can investors contribute to the energy transition? In this guest contribution, Thomas Leys, Investment Director at abrdn, explains how we can accelerate the transition by investing in industries t…

Guest contribution

Is Private Equity sustainable?

Guest Contribution by Sophie Bourroux and Florian Ménard from Indosuez Wealth Management Switzerland

Guest contribution

An electric future

Capturing investment opportunities as our energy systems transform

Update

Newly Released ISSB Standards

A Common Language to Measure Sustainability

Update

Highlights from the Paris Summit for a New Global Financing Pact

Advancing Global Cooperation for sustainability

Update

Call for Volunteers 2023

Building Bridges is seeking volunteers to support its 2023 Edition. Students and other interested individuals are encouraged to apply and become part of the movement.

Update

Join us at Building Bridges 2023 to shape our sustainable future!

Building Bridges 2023 will take place on October 2-5 at the CICG in Geneva and host transformative discussions that will shape the global sustainable finance agenda. Join this ground-breaking conferen…

Update

Environmental Innovation Awards Competition

ONE CREATION Impact Finance launched its 2023 Environmental Innovation Awards to support young companies that are creating innovative sustainable solutions. Since 2010, ONE CREATION Impact Finance has…

Update

Tackling inequality: An agenda for business action

Catalytic actions for business to tackle inequality

In the press

“Switzerland has a long history in developing innovative sustainable finance solutions that few others can offer”

Interview in Arabian Business

Update

Building bridges with emerging markets

Our team exchanged with sustainable finance leaders in Kenya to unlock new partnerships and opportunities.

Guest contribution

The climate transition offers new opportunities for investors

In this guest contribution, Frédéric Rochat, explains how the climate transition is creating unprecedented opportunities for investors.

Update

Urgent climate action needed to secure a liveable future for all

The IPCC calls for urgent action in its new report.

Update

Building Bridges is Hiring Interns

Join our team! Building Bridges is looking for Communications Interns.

Update

2023 Call for Events

Our 2023 Call for Events is now open. Submit your event proposal by March 31.

In the press

Patrick Odier: ‘Switzerland cannot hide behind neutrality’

Patrick Odier explains how we must address the social crises that the transition can create for vulnerable groups in the Financial Times.

Update

Contribute to our next Building Bridges Edition

Join us on February 28 to brainstorm themes and collaboration options for the 2023 Building Bridges Edition.

Update

Building Bridges is Hiring for the 2023 Edition!

Join our team! Building Bridges is looking for a Program Coordinator and a Week Coordinator.

Update

Our 2022 Report is out!

Discover the key takeaways from the 2022 edition of Building Bridges that featured 68 events on sustainable finance.

Guest contribution

No time to waste, the only way is forward – COP27 and the accountable road to COP28

Peter Bakker, President and CEO of WBCSD shares his insights from COP27.

Guest contribution

COP27 and Climate Progress

The curtains have come down on COP27 and the dial ticks upwards to COP28. Also ticking upwards are global greenhouse gas emissions, parts per million of carbon in the atmosphere and the likely degree…

Update

COP31 on climate: the Swiss Federal Council opts for partnership initiatives instead of a Swiss bid

A few days ago the Swiss Government ended its bid to host the COP31 in 2026. While the decision of the Swiss Federal Council is regrettable, Swiss authorities underlined the relevance and the legitima…

In the press

COP27: «Sans financement, toutes les promesses sur le climat seront inutiles»

La finance occupera une place centrale dans les négociations à la COP27. A deux semaines du sommet sur le climat, Mahmoud Mohieldin, économiste égyptien et champion onusien sur l’action climatiq…

In the press

Building Bridges, l’antichambre de la COP31 en Suisse

Organiser la COP31 en 2026 donnerait à la Suisse l’occasion unique de se positionner au centre du débat mondial sur la transition climatique et la finance durable. La capacité d’influence internationa…

Guest contribution

SDG Lab Interview: Dr. Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya

Check out this interview by our partner, the SDG Lab, with Dr. Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, who discusses the challenges the country is facing in terms of development and how sus…

In the press

AGEFI – Le Seco tient à son objectif de 100 millions d’ici 2030 pour son initiative durable

Le Secrétariat d’Etat à l’économie a annoncé mardi à Building Bridges que Josien Sluijs prend la présidence de son Impact Finance Initiative. La nomination d’un CEO est aussi attendue d’ici à la fin d…

In the press

AGEFI: «Il faut se concentrer sur le E de ESG»

Al Gore, l’ancien vice-président des Etats-Unis, et prix Nobel de la paix 2007 pour son engagement contre le réchauffement climatique popularisé par le documentaire «Une vérité qui dérange» (200…

In the press

Peter Njonjo: «La finance durable devrait aider à créer des modèles d’affaires qui n’existent pas encore»

Après avoir été l’un des principaux dirigeants de Coca-Cola en Afrique, l’entrepreneur kényan Peter Njonjo s’est attaqué à l’insécurité alimentaire en Afrique, grâce à sa start-up Twiga Foods, qui com…

In the press

All News – Les modes de production agricole clé pour atteindre les objectifs climatiques

Hubert Keller, associé-gérant senior de la banque Lombard-Odier, appelle à une transformation qui créera inévitablement des disruptions dans la production telle que nous la connaissons aujourd’hui, ma…

In the press

Bilan – La crise actuelle pourrait favoriser à terme la durabilité

À l’heure des crises énergétique et environnementale, l’objectif de neutralité carbone pour 2050 est encore un doux rêve. Investisseurs, financiers et pouvoirs publics doivent en prendre conscience et…

In the press

Philipp Hildebrand en appelle à la responsabilité du politique

Une meilleure transparence et clarté du cadre réglementaire financier international sont indispensables au succès de la transition énergétique dans toutes les régions du monde, selon le vice-président…

In the press

Bilan – La finance durable face à la réglementation

Les engagements des acteurs financiers en matière de durabilité doivent-ils être encadrés, voire stimulés, par des instances régulatrices ou laissés aux soins des seules lois du marché? Un panel qui s…

In the press

Bilan – Sandrine Salerno: «Le secteur financier ne pourra y arriver seul»

Photo Credit: Laurent Guiraud.

In the press

24 Heures – «Ce sommet est un pas vers une COP en Suisse»

Photo credit: Lucien Fortuny

In the press

All News – Building Bridges/finance durable: «Notre responsabilité pour les générations futures», déclare Ueli Maurer

A Genève, le conseiller fédéral s’est félicité du bon positionnement de la Suisse en matière de financement durable, soulignant la saine collaboration entre le gouvernement et le secteur privé. To art…

In the press

RTS – Le 3e sommet des Building Bridges s’attaque aux défis de la transition durable

Building Bridges, le grand raout de la finance durable, démarre lundi à Genève. Durant quatre jours, des interlocuteurs de tous horizons ont rendez-vous pour échanger, débattre et sensibiliser les inv…

In the press

Le Temps – Building Bridges: pour distancier Genève du «greenwashing»

OPINION. La 3e conférence de l’initiative Building Bridges s’ouvre ce lundi à Genève, pour accompagner l’indispensable transition de la finance. Une chance pour Genève, mais il faut aller plus vite et…

Guest contribution

Pipeline Builder Partnership: Interview with John Hendra

Over the past weeks, and in the lead up to Building Bridges Week 2022, the SDG Lab has been running a series of interviews looking at sustainable finance from the perspectives of four people involved …

Guest contribution

Yofi Grant: “Our Development Agenda is already Aligned with the SDGs and Has Been for a Long Time”

The West African country of Ghana is the focus of a pilot of the Pipeline Builder, a partnership between SDG Lab at the United Nations in Geneva and Ground_Up Project, a Swiss-based impact finance adv…

Guest contribution

How to Guarantee Debt Sustainability while Protecting the Environment

Can debt restructuring episodes used to promote climate friendly policies either through the issuance of green bonds or by attaching climate friendly conditions (in terms of mitigation, adaptation, or…

Guest contribution

Energy Transition: a Complex but Compelling Challenge

Reaching net-zero targets will require major investment and concerted political will. BloombergNEF (BNEF) estimates this investment at USD 92–173 trillion over the next three decades, of which US…

Guest contribution

Interview with Brindusa Burrows: “We simply cannot afford to not invest in the SDGs in emerging markets”

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries. Investing in their ability to contribute to the SDGs is key to our future. Th…

Guest contribution

Solving Plastic Pollution from an Investor Perspective

Plastic is ubiquitous in our life. Look around and you will find all kinds of materials that are made from plastic such as smartphones or food packaging. Plastic’s versatility, lightweight, and low-co…

Guest contribution

Pipeline Builder Partnership: Interview with Charles Abani, UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana

Update

Building Bridges Connect App

Building Bridges released a mobile app that aims to foster stronger connections among members of the community.

Update

Deadline Extended: Call for Volunteers 2022

Building Bridges is seeking volunteers to support during the week of October 3 – October 6, 2022. Students and other interested individuals are encouraged to apply and become part of the movement.

Update

Beyond Rhetoric: Keeping Track of Impact Investing

To kick-start the month of September, Building Bridges hosted a webinar dedicated to the main sustainable trends of the fall with leading experts such as Élodie Feller, Global Policy Lead at UNEP FI, …

Guest contribution

Defining and Conceptualizing Impact Investing

A new special issue in the Journal of Business Ethics provides a first effort to establish a body of knowledge on impact investing from a business ethics perspective. Vanina Farber (IMD), a guest edit…

Guest contribution

How Greenwashing almost Took Out ESG?

With impacts of the climate emergency intensifying, companies have new opportunities and incentives to showcase their green credentials, making net zero pledges and signing climate commitments. But wh…

Update

Net Zero Insights Report: How is the Swiss Financial Market Doing?

Building Bridges’ partners, Swiss Sustainable Finance, Asset Management Association (AMAS), Swiss Bankers Association (SBA), and PWC recently published a report to showcase Switzerland’s commitm…

Guest contribution

Net Zero: The Real Economy Must Adapt to the Requirements of the Financial Sector

The financial sector has set itself ambitious net zero targets. The real economy must therefore show even more progress, provide transparency and take measures to meet the growing demands of the finan…

Update

UNEP FI & Building Bridges Join Forces to Mainstream Sustainable Finance Globally

UNEP FI and Building Bridges are joining forces to bring together two weeks of sustainable finance events in October for the international community. The events, running from 3-14 October will bring t…

Guest contribution

The Economics of Sustainability-linked Bonds

Researchers from the Geneva Finance Research Institute (GFRI) at the University of Geneva Tony Berrada, Leonie Engelhardt, Rajna Gibson and Philipp Krueger recently wrote a paper on the economics of s…

Guest contribution

Balancing Regulation between Complexity and Transparency

The range of collective capital investments with sustainability strategies has multiplied over the past 20 years. As the number of sustainable funds increases, accusations of greenwashing make the rou…

Guest contribution

Harnessing the Energy Transition

Climate change remains the central challenge of sustainable investing: we have been aware of the issue for over 30 years, and yet the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report shows gree…

Thought leadership

Infrastructure Investment: Empowering Emerging Countries

Building Bridges just launched a series of webinars that will take place throughout the summer in the lead-up of the 2022 edition that will be presented from October 3-6. For its opening panel, Buildi…

Update

Building Bridges to Host 65 Thought-provoking Events on Sustainable Finance

Building Bridges will host its 3rd edition from October 3-6, featuring a two-day high-level summit followed by over 65 events on sustainable finance. This year’s edition will connect actors from…

Thought leadership

Back from Davos: Nature Positive Finance is Not an Option

Fabio Sofia, one of Building Bridges’ leaders and Co-Founder of Zebra Ventures, reflects on his experience in Davos and about how finance can be leveraged to effectively tackle the pressing issues we …

Thought leadership

Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis: The Role of the Finance Sector

As the world commemorates 50 years of environmental activism, Building Bridges’ leaders stress the crucial role of the finance sector in resolving the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiv…

In the press

La Fondation Building Bridges pérennisera le rendez-vous annuel de la finance durable

La création d’une fondation pour Building Bridges est en marche.

Update

Our 2021 Final Report is out!

Discover the key takeaways from the 77 events that were organized by our community during Building Bridges 2021!

Update

2022 Call for Events

We are excited to announce that the Call for Events for the 2022 edition of Building Bridges is now open. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 22 at 18h.

Update

CLOSED – Building Bridges is Hiring!

Building Bridges is looking for a Sponsorship Director, a Communications Director, and interns to support the planning of the 2022 edition of the event.

Thought leadership

Building Bridges 2021: Pipeline Builder panel spotlights Ghana’s potential

How is Ghana an opportunity for SDG investments? Discover the topic through the lens of the SDG Lab and their event on build ing attractive SDG investment pipelines that address issues of risk and ca…

Thought leadership

Blending private-public funds for impact – A public sector perspective on the state of the art

What are the next steps in Blended Finance ? SECO identified 5 key ways the private-public collaboration should go forward.

In the press

SDG Impact Finance Initiative launched at Building Bridges

SECO and SDC in collaboration with UBS and Credit Suisse launched a new public-private partnership aimed at mobilizing 1B CHF for development projects with positive social and environmental impact.

Thought leadership

It’s time to widen the lens of sustainable finance

The social aspect of sustainability has taken the backseat in environmental discussions for a long time. Yet the SDGs recognize that sustainable development requires the balanced integration of all th…

Thought leadership

The 4th agricultural revolution in modern history has begun

What is the next agricultural revolution? Read on Edmond de Rothschild’s thoughts on the new agricultural model.

Thought leadership

What lies beyond financial inclusion?

Learn on financial inclusion through the lens of Seedstars.

Thought leadership

When emissions turn personal: How many trees are needed to offset your carbon footprint?

See Credit Suisse’s research on how to reduce your carbon footprint.

Update

Introducing the new Impact Management Platform, coming to Building Bridges Week 2021

Read on Impact Management Platform’s activities.

Thought leadership

Cleantech: BNP Paribas and Solar Impulse have launched an investment fund dedicated to startups

Discover BNP Paribas and Solar Impulse’s initiative to support innovative projects protecting the environment.

Thought leadership

From Carbon Neutral to Nature Positive

Why is nature an opportunity for the economy? Read on UBP’s recommendations on the topics.

Update

Meet the Accelerate2030 Entrepreneurs Driving the New Economy

Explore investment and collaboration opportunities with impactful and scalable solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals.

Thought leadership

It’s time to fully mobilize central banks and financial supervisors on climate and nature risks

Discover WWF’s observations on the role of central banks in the fight against climate and nature destruction.

Thought leadership

FinTech as a catalyst for sustainability in the financial system

See what research from the Swiss FinTech Innovation Lab says about the current state of FinTech.

Update

GSIV entrepreneurs

UNDP reveals the top 12 entrepreneurs from developing countries selected for their SDG Finance Geneva Summit, taking place on Thursday, December 2 during Building Bridges Week.

Thought leadership

Biodiversity Finance – the New Frontier

We’ve all heard of Net Zero but what about Nature Positive? Here’s what it would take to align the financial system with nature and combat biodiversity loss.

Update

Geneva Media Workshop

Building Bridges partners have gathered in Geneva to discuss the details behind the Building Bridges Movement with local journalists.

Update

Call for Volunteers (closed)

Building Bridges is seeking volunteers to support during the week of November 29 – December 2. Students and other interested individuals are encouraged to apply and become part of the movement.

Thought leadership

For Building Bridges, diversity is key

Building Bridges Week will feature 77 events planned by 89 different organizations. This reflects the diverse, collaborative approach needed to achieve a sustainable financial system.

Update

Zürich Media Workshop

Building Bridges partners gathered in Zürich with a group of journalists to discuss the initiative and issues related to sustainable finance and SDGs more broadly.

In the press

Agir vite, ensemble

Suite à la votation suisse sur le CO2, Patrick Odier évoque dans Le Temps le rôle essentiel du capital dans la lutte contre le changement climatique.

In the press

“We don’t want to be just one more conference”

Geneva Solutions did a deep dive into Building Bridges 2021 and interviewed our president Patrick about the second edition of this important event.

Update

Call For Events

The 2021 Call for Events is now open until June 9th. We are accepting event concepts on three themes. Submit your event now!