The global transition to a net-zero economy depends not only on financing flows but also on the institutional and human capabilities to absorb and deploy those flows effectively. For emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), which need an estimated $2.4 trillion annually in climate finance by 2030, the stakes are particularly high.
Capacity building is not a secondary concern, it is a primary enabler of sustainable investment and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for EMDEs. It addresses critical competency gaps, enabling financial institutions and professionals to assess climate risks, finance adaptation and mitigation, and integrate climate into every financial decision.
EMDEs must be empowered with the tools, resources, and training to seize the economic opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy transition. Without this foundation, climate finance cannot be scaled effectively or equitably.
At the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (UN SSE) initiative, capacity building is at the core of our mission to make capital markets more sustainable and inclusive. Through our SSE Academy, we have trained over 40,000 participants globally on key sustainable finance topics. This programme directly supports the GCBC Accelerator’s theme of mobilizing sustainable finance by strengthening the knowledge infrastructure behind project pipelines and capital market readiness so that actors can channel climate capital effectively.
In addition, our partnership with the IFRS Foundation to provide targeted training on the ISSB Standards represents a major leap in building climate capabilities. These trainings are designed to help financial institutions, regulators, and exchanges with a focus on EMDEs to understand and incorporate climate-related risks and opportunities into financial decision-making. This work lays the groundwork for credible, transparent, and comparable climate disclosures that can better attract sustainable investment.
The GCBC Accelerator, a pioneering initiative by the Global Capacity Building Coalition, is amplifying and accelerating these kinds of efforts. By identifying and supporting the most impactful capacity building programs, the Accelerator is helping to unlock the full potential of sustainable finance in EMDEs. Selected initiatives receive bespoke support from expert advisory and operational assistance to visibility at global forums and partnership facilitation, enabling them to grow and replicate their impact.
A 2024 GCBC survey revealed that 75% of financial institutions in EMDEs struggle to access the training and tools needed for the transition to net zero. This is not just a minor gap, it is a central obstacle to achieving global climate goals.
By bridging this divide, the UN SSE and GCBC Accelerator are building the foundation for sustainable finance ecosystems in EMDEs. If your organization is working to advance this mission, applications for the GCBC Accelerator are open until 4 July. Now is the time to scale your work, connect with global partners, and help drive a more sustainable, equitable climate transition that can benefit every market.
Learn more about the GCBC Accelerator here.
