Green Finance – Beyond Transparency

Veranstaltungsart
Webinar

Ort / Datum
Online, 18.06.2026

Veranstalter

German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

Financial markets are not aligned with the goal of achieving a green transformation of the global economy. Large volumes of capital continue to flow into unsustainable activities, while projects that are essential to the transformation are often not financed. Over the past decade, policy-makers and regulators across many jurisdictions have therefore introduced measures aimed at redirecting private capital flows towards sustainable economic activities. These measures include reporting obligations, sustainable finance taxonomies, standards for sustainable financial instruments, and regulations on the management of sustainability risks. However, currently, we see a backlash against such regulations in some jurisdictions, including the USA and the EU, while policy-makers elsewhere continue to advance the sustainable finance agenda.

The merits of the dominant sustainable finance approach remain contested. Many of the policies implemented to date have focused primarily on improving transparency. While transparency is an important prerequisite, it alone is unlikely to redirect capital flows at the scale required. In addition, the prevailing green finance narrative – which presents the mobilisation of private capital as a solution to limited public resources – has clear limitations. Many essential components of the green transformation are not financed by private market participants due to insufficient financial returns or the (perceived) risks associated with these investments.

Drawing on a recent IDOS policy brief, the webinar will explore political windows of opportunity for advancing a sustainable financial system in today’s geopolitical context. Speakers will also discuss the potential of green finance policies that go beyond the current focus on creating transparency, including credit guidance measures, tax policies, and investments by public development banks.

Speakers:

  • Shameela Soobramoney
    Shameela Soobramoney is CEO of the National Business Initiative (NBI), an association of South African and multinational companies, that aims to shape “a sustainable future in South Africa through responsible business action”. In addition, she is a member of the Presidential Climate Commission. Previous work experiences include a position as Chief Sustainability Officer at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and a role at the Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliances at UN DESA.
  • Simon Dikau
    Simon Dikau is the Founder and Global Director of the LSE Centre for Economic Transition Expertise (CETEx). In addition, he is a Distinguished Policy Fellow at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment. His research focuses on central banking and monetary economics; sustainable economic growth, development and finance; and financial regulation and risk.
  • Sören Hilbrich
    Sören Hilbrich is a Senior Researcher at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS). His research focuses on sustainability and financial markets, as well as the political institutions that govern the global economy.

 

Hinweis

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