The conversation, hosted by Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), with CASI Chairman Dr. Ma Jun and Sean Kidney, CEO of CBI delved into the 11-year journey of green and sustainable finance in China and examined the international cooperation mechanisms that have shaped its development.

The Foundations of China’s Green Finance

The dialogue began by revisiting the pioneering days of green finance in China during 2014-15. Dr. Ma Jun shared insights from his collaboration with UNEP and Sean’s team during this critical period, which laid the groundwork for what is now one of the world’s largest green finance ecosystems. These efforts established the essential frameworks, taxonomies, and policies that serve as a foundation for China’s leadership in green finance today.

Global Cooperation and CASI’s Role

The discussion expanded to the importance of global collaboration in advancing sustainable finance. Platforms such as the G20, Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS), and the International Platform on Sustainable Finance (IPSF) have been instrumental in fostering dialogue and building consensus on green finance principles.

As a key global initiative, CASI has been actively supporting these efforts by providing capacity-building programs and fostering expertise across jurisdictions. With over 7,000 participants trained through its growing network of 70 members, CASI continues to play a vital role in equipping professionals and institutions with the tools needed to implement green finance practices effectively.

Key Priorities for Green Finance

During the conversation, several critical themes emerged as priorities for the next phase of green finance development:

• Interoperability Across Taxonomies: Highlighting the need for robust, harmonized taxonomies to reduce inconsistencies and enhance cross-border green finance activities.
• Transition Finance: Stressing its growing importance in enabling real-world decarbonization, particularly for industries requiring step-by-step transitions to lower carbon footprints.
• Capacity Building: Emphasizing the need to expand training efforts and share best practices to support the growing demand for sustainable finance expertise.
• Disclosure and Verification: Addressing the need for consistent and reliable disclosure frameworks to combat greenwashing and ensure the credibility of transition pathways.

Driving the Green Agenda Forward

Dr. Ma Jun emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in sustainable finance by focusing on capacity building, green trade, and fostering collaboration across jurisdictions. He reiterated CASI’s commitment to supporting these efforts and expanding its impact across ASEAN and beyond.

Join the Conversation

CASI is proud to facilitate such thought-provoking discussions and support global efforts to advance green finance. As we continue to build capacity and foster international cooperation, we invite stakeholders to join us in this mission to drive meaningful progress in sustainable finance.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast here: Spotify – Web Player
📺 Watch the full interview here: Building Green Finance: China’s Journey and Global Collaboration