GLOBAL PROGRESS REPORT 2025:  SUSTAINABLE BANKING AND FINANCE NETWORK

 

Resilient Growth of Global Sustainable Finance Amid Macroeconomic Pressures and Rising ESG Accountability

The global sustainable finance market continues to expand despite significant macroeconomic pressures, including elevated interest rates, persistent inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and heightened scrutiny of ESG claims. In 2024, global issuance of green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked (GSSS) bonds reached a record $1 trillion, representing a 3 percent year-on-year increase. Investor demand for ESG-aligned instruments remains resilient, with growing emphasis on credible frameworks, long-term value creation, and risk-aligned sustainability strategies, rather than short-term or superficial ESG positioning.