High Activity and Engagement in the NorNAB Network
October 31, 2024 •Helene Molnes Hestetun
September was a busy month for the NorNAB network, with events focusing on important topics such as SFDR, modern investment opportunities in India, blended finance, and sustainable finance in emerging markets. These events explored the role of cross-sector collaboration in advancing sustainable development goals. From discussions on India’s dynamic economy to the strategic combination of public and private capital through blended finance, the network brought attention to the importance of leveraging investment opportunities for both impact and financial returns in global emerging markets.
NorNAB-network meeting at Thommessen
Thommessen invited the NorNAB-network to an status and update on SFDR, highlighting the potential changes and ongoing processes. The level of engagement was high, questions were raised and SINTEF TTO, Cubera and Bluefront Equity also shared their experiences and views on almost two years of working on SFDR. The discussions, sharing of experiences and learnings continued during the afternoon mingling and networking.
India Event: Unlocking Investment Opportunities
One of the key events in September was the roundtable on investment opportunities in India, hosted by NorNAB in collaboration with The Modern India (DMI), The Conduit and the Indian Embassy in Norway. The discussion focused on India’s rapidly expanding economy, highlighting sectors like green energy, sustainable finance, and infrastructure. Panelists emphasized India’s strong growth potential and the strategic benefits for Norwegian investors, particularly through the development of GIFT City, a major financial hub. The event underscored the exciting prospects for collaboration between India and Norway.
Blended Finance Event: Mobilizing Capital for Sustainable Development
In partnership with WWF, NorNAB hosted an event on blended finance, focusing on how public and private capital can be strategically combined to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The discussions highlighted how blended finance offers a powerful tool to unlock much-needed funds for sustainable projects, particularly in sectors like climate and nature conservation. Speakers shared inspiring examples of successful blended finance models that benefit both investors and the environment, showcasing how this approach can drive impactful, large-scale investments.
Sustainable Finance in Emerging Markets Event
NorNAB also co-hosted a seminar in Oslo alongside Norfund, Norsif, and ILX Fund, where sustainable finance opportunities in emerging markets were explored. This event was aimed at Nordic-based institutional investors, focusing on how emerging markets can provide both strong returns and social impact. MDBs and DFIs played a key role in the discussions, highlighting their expertise in managing risk and identifying opportunities in regions like India and Africa. The event underscored the importance of these institutions in channeling capital towards sustainable development in emerging markets.