BID Invest launches “Enlaces” network to promote sustainable finance in LAC region

Santo Domingo.- BID Invest announced the launch of “Enlaces,” a regional dialogue network aimed at promoting sustainable finance initiatives across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The network seeks to unite efforts, foster synergies, and advance sustainable finance throughout the region, with participation from both public and private commercial banks and financial institutions.

The launch took place during the 2nd Latin American Congress on Sustainable and Inclusive Banking, held on August 26-27 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The “Enlaces” network aims to create a collaborative space for financial actors across the region to share experiences and best practices, facilitate access to knowledge and training, promote environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria within financial institutions, and mobilize impact financing. Additionally, it aims to position the LAC region as a key player in the global sustainable finance agenda.

The network comprises various initiatives, including private and public-private working groups, green and sustainable finance protocols, innovation labs, and sustainability committees. As of now, 10 initiatives representing around 200 financial institutions from different countries have joined “Enlaces,” including:

• Argentina: Sustainable Finance Protocol
• Colombia: Green Protocol and Social Protocol (Asobancaria)
• Ecuador: Sustainable Finance Protocol (Asobanca)
• El Salvador: Sustainable Banking Committee (Abansa)
• Guatemala: Sustainable Finance Advisory Council
• Honduras: Sustainable Banking Program (Ahiba)
• Mexico: Sustainability Protocol (ABM)
• Panama: Sustainable Finance Protocol (ABP)
• Paraguay: Sustainable Finance Working Group
• Dominican Republic: Green Protocol (ABA)

BID Invest serves as the founder and strategic advisor of “Enlaces” and will provide support throughout the network’s formation and consolidation phases. The initiative will focus on four strategic pillars: environmental and social risk analysis, green and climate agendas, social agendas, and corporate governance.

With the launch of “Enlaces,” the region is taking significant steps towards making sustainable finance a reality, contributing to responsible and sustainable economic development. The network also positions LAC as an important player in the global sustainable finance landscape.

For more information about “Enlaces,” visit www.enlaceslac.org.

BID Invest, a member of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group, is a multilateral development bank dedicated to promoting economic development in its member countries across Latin America and the Caribbean through the private sector.

BID Invest finances sustainable companies and projects to achieve financial results and maximize economic, social, and environmental development in the region. With a portfolio of $21 billion in assets under management and 394 clients in 25 countries, BID Invest provides innovative financial solutions and advisory services to meet the needs of its clients across various sectors.