Conrad Albrecht, Managing Director and Head of the Directorate of Sustainability at the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), spoke at the annual Astana Finance Days conference in a session titled «Fireside Chat on the State of Sustainable Finance in Central Asia.»
He highlighted significant achievements and ongoing challenges in advancing sustainable development across the region and underscored the EDB’s contributions in addressing these issues.
Conrad Albrecht emphasized the EDB’s role as a leading multilateral development bank in Eurasia, particularly in supporting projects aimed at reducing carbon footprints and helping the region’s economies adapt to climate change. «Sustainable development and green transition are not only commitments to future generations but also strategic advantages that will enable Central Asian countries to reach a new level of development,» he stated.
«Since its establishment in 2006, the EDB’s cumulative portfolio of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects has surpassed $1.7 billion. The Bank plans to continue supporting renewable energy initiatives. As of today, 33 percent of the Bank’s current real sector portfolio can be considered fully compliant with the Paris Agreement,» he added.
According to Albrecht, the EDB actively participates in international associations and agreements on sustainable development and climate change, such as the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking. It is also integrating ESG principles into its operations and has obtained international ESG ratings.
Conrad Albrecht expressed confidence that the efforts of the EDB and other multilateral development banks will create new opportunities for sustainable development and a green economy in Central Asia. He stressed the importance of timely climate finance and the incorporation of sustainability principles at all levels of economic activity across the region.
The Astana Finance Days conference, hosted by the Astana International Financial Centre, is a major annual event focused on economics, finance and sustainable development in the region. In 2024, discussions centred around sustainable development, climate finance and green transition.
