Sebnem Sener, Head of Private Finance for the SDGs at UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub, on Closing the $4.2 Trillion SDG Financing Gap and Driving Impact in Emerging Markets

Do One Better with Alberto Lidji in Philanthropy, Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship

In this enlightening discussion, Sebnem Sener, Head of Private Finance for the SDGs at United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Sustainable Finance Hub, provides a nuanced analysis of the vast financial gap preventing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The current $4.2 trillion annual financing shortfall is daunting, yet Sener emphasizes that this represents merely 1% of global wealth, urging the private sector to increase investments in SDG-aligned projects, particularly in emerging markets.

Sener explains the central role of the UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub in mobilizing private capital to where it is most needed, highlighting the strategic use of the organization’s global network of 170 country offices. This network provides critical local insight, market intelligence, and an understanding of country-specific policy priorities, which are essential for identifying SDG-aligned investment opportunities.

A core theme of the conversation is the challenge of managing both financial and impact risks. Sener stresses the importance of impact management systems, urging businesses to consider impact risks on par with financial risks. She illustrates this by recounting her engagement with a maternity clinic in Tanzania, where environmental concerns around medical waste had to be addressed alongside the clinic's primary goal of improving maternal health. Sener’s example demonstrates how embedding impact management frameworks into business operations can mitigate negative outcomes and enhance the overall sustainability of investments.

The interview also sheds light on the critical issue of perceived risk in emerging markets, where investors often hesitate due to political instability, economic volatility, and regulatory uncertainty. Sener argues that these risks can be addressed through innovative financial instruments such as blended finance, guarantees, and green bonds, which help to de-risk investments and attract private capital.

Deal origination remains a significant hurdle in emerging markets, and Sener introduces the SDG Investor Map as a vital tool for overcoming this challenge. The map helps identify areas ripe for investment by aligning with country-specific development needs and successful business models. The SDG Investor Map draws on the on-the-ground intelligence from UNDP’s country offices, which play a pivotal role in vetting businesses and ensuring that they are truly aligned with SDG objectives, thus enhancing credibility for investors.

Sener’s insights also emphasize the importance of collaboration. The financial ecosystem for impact is broad and diverse, encompassing not only global banks and institutions but also regional and domestic investors whose efforts often go unnoticed. This intricate network, facilitated by UNDP, creates a more fluid and inclusive market for sustainable investments.

Looking ahead, Sener remains cautiously optimistic. While the progress toward the SDGs is far from sufficient—only 15% of targets are on track—the realignment of financial systems to embed sustainability at their core presents a promising pathway forward. For Sener, the solution lies in rethinking how businesses operate, ensuring sustainability is at the heart of decision-making processes.

Throughout the conversation, Sener’s wealth of experience, from her time advising HM Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to her current role at UNDP, shines through. Her understanding of financial inclusion and sustainable finance, combined with her optimism for the future, presents a compelling vision for how the private sector can play a transformative role in achieving the SDGs.

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