Sustainable finance key to climate resilience: Speakers at 'Sustainable Finance Summit 2026'

Speakers at the Sustainable Finance Summit 2026 in Dhaka emphasised the need for blended and sustainable financing to strengthen Bangladesh's economy, tackle climate risks, support entrepreneurs and expand investment opportunities.

The day-long summit was organised by LightCastle Partners with support from the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, the United Nations Capital Development Fund, Netherlands-based impact investment firm Truvalu Bangladesh and Startup Bangladesh Limited, according to a press release yesterday.

The event focused on mobilising blended finance and expanding Bangladesh's sustainable finance market.

According to data shared at the summit, sustainable financing in Bangladesh stood at Tk83.75 billion during the October-December quarter of 2025, accounting for 35.87% of total disbursed loans. Speakers said the figure reflected the country's growing economic dynamism.

Globally, the sustainable finance market reached $919 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $1.1 trillion in 2026, according to information presented at the event.

Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli inaugurated the summit. Masud Rahman, chief technology advisor of the Aspire to Innovate project under the ICT ministry, attended as guest of honour.

"Sustainable finance is no longer a niche agenda. It is essential for building an inclusive and future-ready economic foundation," said Ambassador Reto Renggli.

He also praised Bangladesh's progress in climate resilience and financial inclusion and expressed hope that the summit would help unlock new investment opportunities and partnerships.

Masud Rahman said Bangladesh stands at a critical stage where innovation, technology and sustainable financing must move forward together. He said the government is prioritising support for entrepreneurs through improved digital infrastructure.

Bijon Islam, chief executive officer of LightCastle Partners, delivered the keynote presentation titled "From Pledges to Projects: Unlocking the Next Trillion in Sustainable Finance".

He said Bangladesh's next phase of sustainable finance growth would depend on building an integrated investment ecosystem capable of attracting private capital through structural reforms, stronger public-private partnerships and investment-ready opportunities.

The summit featured three panel discussions on impact investing and blended finance, ESG financing and the future of corporate responsibility in Bangladesh.

Speakers at the sessions included officials from the Dhaka Stock Exchange, Startup Bangladesh Limited, Brummer & Partners, South Asia Tech and Infusion Partners.

Another presentation titled "Sustainability and Corporate CSR Landscape of Bangladesh" highlighted how corporate social responsibility has evolved from conventional activities into a strategic tool for sustainable and inclusive growth.

One of the major highlights of the summit was the launch of two investment funds — the "ORE-2 Fund" and the "Bangladesh Impact Fund". The funds were unveiled by Bijon Islam and Sharawwat Islam, managing director of Truvalu Bangladesh.

The funds aim to improve access to capital for small and growing businesses across the country and support sustainable business expansion.

More than 200 policymakers, financiers, entrepreneurs and ecosystem stakeholders attended the summit.