The government has introduced Orange Bonds with an intent to mobilise $1.0 billion immediately and up to $10 billion by 2030, aiming for sustainable and inclusive growth and gender-equitable economic empowerment.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) are partnering the authorities concerned to this end.
The Economic Relations Division (ERD) along with the partners introduced Orange Bonds on Thursday, with the initial bonds likely issued in key international markets like Singapore.
The announcement came from a high-level consultation styled 'Rebuilding an Inclusive Bangladesh with Orange Bonds' hosted at a city hotel, reveals a press release issued by the IIX.
Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed attended the event as chief guest, while Lamiya Morshed, principal coordinator for SDGs affairs at the Chief Adviser's Office, Professor Durreen Shahnaz, founder and CEO of the IIX, and Stefan Liller, resident representative of the UNDP, among others, spoke on the occasion.
Dr Salehuddin emphasised the positive impact of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for sustainable financing initiatives like Orange Bonds.
"By creating acceptable risk measurements and removing unnecessary barriers, we can ensure that everyone, especially women and small entrepreneurs, has access to the resources they need to thrive," he said.
Durreen Shahnaz said, "The Orange Bond is not just a financial vehicle; it is a powerful tool with a mission rooted in gender equality, climate action and inclusive growth."
"Today marks the beginning of a journey to make finance work for gender equality and green development," Stefan Liller said.
Lamiya Morshed highlighted the global significance of the initiative, saying that the Orange Bond would be an opportunity to put this vision into practice.
"Through it, we will unlock new resources for the people of Bangladesh-especially women, youths and communities that form the heart of our nation," she explained.
Finance secretary Dr Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumdar said the scale of resources required to address climate risks is substantial, and the government recognise that women, who often bear the brunt of these challenges, need targeted support.
The press release revealed that the initiative seeks to mobilise up to $1 billion across a series of bonds, channeling much-needed investments to strategic sectors essential for long-term stability and inclusive growth.
The initiative demonstrates a commitment to leveraging financial innovation to mobilise $10 billion by 2030 and empower 100 million women, girls and gender minorities to drive gender-transformative climate action, sustainable peace and economic prosperity.
The Orange Bonds mark the beginning of a transformative journey for Bangladesh, mobilising global investment towards inclusive development.
This initiative reinforces IIX's mission to bridge capital markets with social impact, empowering underserved communities and building a resilient future.
The IIX is a global leader in impact investing, pioneering innovative financial instruments that drive sustainable development and empower underserved communities.
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