New sustainable finance journal kicks off with focus on competency and skills

01/02/2024

In January, IEMA published volume 1 of its new Sustainable Finance Impact Journal. Titled ‘Competency, Skills and Certification in Sustainable Finance’, the first volume is the start of a new series that takes inspiration from the long-running Impact Assessment Outlook Journal, now on its 19th volume. The Sustainable Finance Impact Journal follows the creation of IEMA’s Sustainable Finance Network, established in 2023. The network is led by a 15-member steering group, which aims to enable the flow of information and knowledge-sharing between investment and sustainability professionals in a way that helps address some of the most significant policy challenges concerning the natural environment, social inclusion and governance. Each volume of the new Sustainable Finance Impact Journal will look at a different topic within the field of sustainable finance, with the first volume bringing together a collection of seven articles on competency, skills and certification, following on from a member webinar on the same topic in October 2023. With insights from professionals at the highest level, volume 1 reflects not only the intense need for finance to embrace sustainability but also what is happening now to support the shift. In the latter category, there are articles on the first Sustainable Finance Education Charter, a case study of International Finance Corporation’s approach to sustainable finance, a reflection on the importance of sustainability from investment banking, and an overview of various courses available to support the development of competent experts. The role of the competent expert is further examined in the intersection of sustainable finance and the social and health dimensions of projects; perspectives which exemplify clearly the dangers of competency greenwashing. Volume 1 describes a very clear need for deep and broad knowledge about sustainability in finance as well as for deep and broad knowledge about finance in sustainability.