We need to scale impact investing to really meet the targets that we've set for ourselves through the SDGs and other such efforts.

Impact Investing goes Mainstream

Q: There's a lot of discussion that this is the year where we see impact investing go mainstream, with more investment in sustainable and environmental and socially driven assets than we've seen in previous years. Why did this happen?

A: One thing that is becoming clear is people are recognizing that the way we've been doing things is not going to get us to where we need to go, to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and to achieve a net-zero climate future. And so, people are very much questioning how they invest and they're asking all the right questions: “Where is my money going? What is my money doing? What impact—positive and negative—are my assets having as they are being put to work?” Now, I think the thing that we have to be careful of is that we don't end there at greater awareness. We really need to get the money to move.

Q: What does the future of impact investing look like to you?

A: All investments are invested with an impact lens. And to get to that place, I know, is quite utopian, but I believe we have to get there. And I do believe it's possible. We know that we're in a place right now that is not sustainable as it relates to climate and people’s welfare. We need to move quickly to make a change. Can we get to where we need to go in the right amount of time is the question that keeps me up at night.

https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/news_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/news+and+events/news/insights/sdgs-impact-investing-jennifer-pryce?CID=IFC_TT_IFC_EN_EXT

 

Citation: IFC. For more information go to www.ifc.org