Our Chairman has joined a UN push to drive private sector investment for sustainable development

New York. Today, our Chairman José Viñals joined the UN and influential leaders from the corporate world to work together over the next two years in a bid to free up trillions of dollars from the private sector to finance the Sustainable Development Goals.

Convened by Secretary-General António Guterres, the Global Investors for Sustainable Development (GISD) Alliance includes the heads of prominent international corporations, including Standard Chartered.

Commenting on the Alliance and its plans, José said: “Being part of the Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance aligns with our desire to finance some of the most challenging issues in emerging markets across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Working alongside the other Alliance members, we are eager to develop tangible solutions that will help drive investment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The UN’s research suggests that there is no shortage of money from the private sector which could be invested in sustainable development. However, a combination of factors, including the policy environment and incentive structures, tend to discourage the kind of long-term commitment that is needed.

Over the next two years, the Alliance will:

• Deliver solutions to unlock long-term finance and investment in sustainable development both at company and system-wide levels
• Mobilise additional resources for countries and sectors most in need
• Find ways to increase the positive impact of business activities
• Align business practices with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

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For further information please contact:

Shaun Gamble

Executive Director, Group Media Relations

Standard Chartered Bank

Tel: +44 20 7885 5934

Email: shaun.gamble@sc.com