Implementing the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will require an estimated annual investment of USD 3.9 trillion until 2030. Current investments in sustainable development globally amount to approximately USD 1.4 trillion, leaving a gap of USD 2.5 trillion.
A significant share of this will come from public funds, especially for goals related to poverty alleviation, providing affordable and quality education, healthcare, and equal opportunities for women and girls. However, significant private sector investment is needed in order to meet the SDG targets by 2030. The financial sector globally has an estimated USD71 trillion in assets under management; and USD 92 trillion in outstanding debt securities. If just 1-2% of this wealth were invested in sustainable development annually, the world would be on track to end poverty, provide opportunities for a decent livelihood for all its people, and ensure a healthy planet.
Around the world, the private and financial sectors are increasingly recognising that investing in sustainability not only has benefits for society and the planet, but it is core to the long term survival of any business. Investors, clients, and regulators and also increasingly putting pressure on companies to strengthen their sustainability. In developed countries, sustainable investing is becoming mainstream, with USD 30.7 trillion in assets under management screened for environmental, social and governance impacts in 2019. Developing countries are moving in a similar direction.
We support private and financial sector actors to understand the risks and opportunities associated with sustainability, to develop sustainability strategies, and to position themselves to play a more active role in contributing to an inclusive, resilience and sustainable world, and to their own long-term success.