Building the Skills That Sustainable Investment Demands

Closing the gap between available climate capital and investment-ready opportunities in emerging markets is not purely a matter of finance. It is also a matter of skills — the ability to design projects that attract capital, and the expertise to assess and manage ESG risks in a rigorous, systematic way. These are gaps that SCF, working with IUCN, is committed to closing. SCF has partnered with the IUCN Academy to develop two new free online courses, financed by the Green Climate Fund and supported technically by the Climate Bonds Initiative. Each course responds to a distinct and practical need.

Project developers turning good ideas into bankable projects

Designing Agribusiness for Sustainable Investment is built for those who develop and structure agribusiness projects — particularly in emerging markets — and want to make them credible and attractive to investors. The course covers what investors actually look for: a clear understanding of the sustainable agri-food landscape, sound environmental and social project design, appropriate financial instruments, and alignment with recognised standards and frameworks. It takes 2 to 3 hours to complete and is self-paced. A project with strong fundamentals and a clear sustainability rationale is more likely to reach financial close. This course helps developers get there.

Financial actors ESG literacy going beyond compliance

ESG Risk Management: A Guide to Sustainable Investment is designed for investors, banks, fund managers and companies seeking investment who want to go beyond ticking boxes on ESG. As ESG factors play an increasingly vital role in financial operations, the ability to identify, assess and manage ESG-related risks is becoming a baseline expectation — not an added extra.

The course offers a comprehensive introduction to the three pillars of ESG — Environmental, Social and Governance — exploring their key elements, practical approaches to risk management, and the industry frameworks that guide responsible decision-making. It runs 5 to 6 hours and draws on real case studies to ground the learning in practice.

Whether you are deploying capital or seeking it, understanding how ESG considerations translate into investment decisions is no longer optional.

Take the Next Step

Are you developing a sustainable agribusiness project in an emerging market and looking to access climate finance? Enrol in Designing Agribusiness for Sustainable Investment and, when you are ready, submit your project through the SCF Project Submission Portal to be considered for investment support.

If your institution is looking to strengthen its ESG risk management practices or deepen its understanding of sustainable investment, enrol in ESG Risk Management: A Guide to Sustainable Investment and get in touch with the SCF team to explore how we can work together.

The Subnational Climate Fund (SCF) is a global blended finance initiative to develop mid-size climate resilient infrastructure & nature-based solutions.