New Release: Net Zero Study 2023

Welcome to the International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence (ISFCOE)

As a central outcome of the Ireland for Finance Strategy (2021), ISFCOE is dedicated to advancing sustainable finance through expertise and impact.

Our core activities revolve around three pillars: research, capacity building, and convening. We specialise in providing expert insights and evidence-based solutions to inform public discourse and policymaking on sustainable finance and related issues. Additionally, ISFCOE takes proactive steps to identify and address skills gaps within the international financial services sector in Ireland, designing and organising tailored training solutions to meet these needs. Leveraging our convening power, we annually host Climate Finance Week Ireland in Dublin, bringing together esteemed thought leaders from around the world to exchange insights and perspectives. We also run an ongoing programme of leadership activities around the year.

In addition to these core pillars, ISFCOE maintains a keen awareness of global sustainability initiatives, positioning ourselves as a knowledge and learning hub for the broader community. While upholding our expert profile and neutrality, ISFCOE refrains from advocacy or campaigning activities. Instead, we prioritise offering accessible and understandable analyses of complex policy matters, ensuring our research and expertise reaches diverse audiences.

Welcome to the International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence (ISFCOE)

As a central outcome of the Ireland for Finance Strategy (2021), ISFCOE is dedicated to advancing sustainable finance through expertise and impact.

Our core activities revolve around three pillars: research, capacity building, and convening. We specialise in providing expert insights and evidence-based solutions to inform public discourse and policymaking on sustainable finance and related issues. Additionally, ISFCOE takes proactive steps to identify and address skills gaps within the international financial services sector in Ireland, designing and organising tailored training solutions to meet these needs. Leveraging our convening power, we annually host Climate Finance Week Ireland in Dublin, bringing together esteemed thought leaders from around the world to exchange insights and perspectives. We also run an ongoing programme of leadership activities around the year.

In addition to these core pillars, ISFCOE maintains a keen awareness of global sustainability initiatives, positioning ourselves as a knowledge and learning hub for the broader community. While upholding our expert profile and neutrality, ISFCOE refrains from advocacy or campaigning activities. Instead, we prioritise offering accessible and understandable analyses of complex policy matters, ensuring our research and expertise reaches diverse audiences.

1

WE WORK WITH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

to address barriers to climate action and sustainable finance. Our focus includes accelerating ESG integration and financing for nature-related initiatives. Through international insights, we help ensure Ireland’s leadership in sustainable finance is globally recognised.

2

WE CONDUCT LEADING RESEARCH

with a dedicated team of specialists, bringing together public and private sector expertise, to identify, develop and present solutions that contribute towards an inclusive, net zero and nature positive resilient economy.

3

WE DEVELOP AND STAGE

a unique programme of events that focus on sustainable finance and Ireland’s global role and peer to peer insights, including the annual Climate Finance Week Ireland series.

4

WE PRIORITISE TALENT DEVELOPMENT

by identifying skill gaps and creating relevant content for finance professionals, aiming to establish Ireland as a sustainable finance hub.

Key Achievements

Since its establishment, the ISFCOE and its predecessor SFI have successfully delivered a broad suite of initiatives across all Irish Sustainable Finance Roadmap goals – namely in Talent Development, Industry Readiness, Leveraging Digital, Enabling Environment and Promotional Activities.

Sustainable Finance Roadmap

We developed Ireland’s 2021 Sustainable Finance Roadmap and are responsible for its delivery. It was updated in 2023.

Research

We lead and co-ordinate a wide variety of research. Recently covering the skills gap, nature finance and net-zero transition. In 2023 alone we produced 8 world-leading research pieces.

Climate Finance Week

Hosted Climate Finance Weeks 2018-2023, the most recent of which was attended by 11,500 people with 8 million online impressions.

Who We Are

Who We Are

The International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence works to position Ireland as a leader in sustainable finance. All activities are aligned with the government’s Ireland for Finance strategy and help to deliver on annual action plans. The International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence is responsible for coordinating the delivery of the national Sustainable Finance Roadmap launched at Climate Finance Week Ireland 2021 and updated at Climate Finance Week Ireland 2023.

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Our Vision

Our Vision

The vision of ISFCOE is a transformed economy for a sustainable world. That Ireland’s financial sector is a leader in sustainable finance, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous economy at home and abroad. Headquartered in Dublin, the Centre has been developed in partnership with Skillnet Ireland, the UNDP Financial Centres for Sustainability (FC4S) Network, EU Climate-KIC and leading domestic and international private sector actors

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Our Purpose

Our Purpose

The purpose of the Centre of Excellence is to accelerate the mobilisation of capital in support of a net zero, nature positive and just economic transition. To achieve this we work to provide insight on best practice in sustainable finance, innovate new sustainable finance product solutions, provide suite of ESG qualifications and training to support upskilling and deliver key industry events including our flagship event, Climate Finance Week Ireland

View more

Who We Are

Who We Are

The International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence works to position Ireland as a leader in sustainable finance. All activities are aligned with the government’s Ireland for Finance strategy and help to deliver on annual action plans. The International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence is responsible for coordinating the delivery of the national Sustainable Finance Roadmap launched at Climate Finance Week Ireland 2021 and updated at Climate Finance Week Ireland 2023.

View more

Our Vision

Our Vision

The vision of ISFCOE is a transformed economy for a sustainable world. That Ireland’s financial sector is a leader in sustainable finance, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous economy at home and abroad. Headquartered in Dublin, the Centre has been developed in partnership with Skillnet Ireland, the UNDP Financial Centres for Sustainability (FC4S) Network, EU Climate-KIC and leading domestic and international private sector actors

View more

Our Purpose

Our Purpose

The purpose of the Centre of Excellence is to accelerate the mobilisation of capital in support of a net zero, nature positive and just economic transition. To achieve this we work to provide insight on best practice in sustainable finance, innovate new sustainable finance product solutions, provide suite of ESG qualifications and training to support upskilling and deliver key industry events including our flagship event, Climate Finance Week Ireland

View more
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NEW: Sustainable Finance Skills

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Climate Finance Week

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Sustainable Finance Skillnet

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Newsletter

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Ireland's first SF Roadmap

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Communities of Practices

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Latest News

Leading Sustainable Finance Centre by 2025

In 2023, Sustainable Finance Ireland became the International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence (ISFCOE) In order to support the goal of Ireland becoming a leading sustainable finance centre by 2025.

Sustainable Finance Roadmap and Climate Action Plan 2022

Aligned with government policy outlined in Ireland for Finance Strategy 2025, Irish National Sustainable Finance Roadmap and Climate Action Plan 2022, the establishment of the Centre of Excellence is Action 1 of Ireland’s Sustainable Finance roadmap

Climate Finance Week 2023

Climate Finance Week Ireland is a world-leading annual event that brings together experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders in the area of sustainable finance. It provides a platform for discussions and collaborations aimed at addressing the Environmental, Social and Governance agenda.

Participants have the opportunity to engage in informative sessions, share insights, and explore innovative strategies to mobilise funding for a sustainable and resilient future.

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