Reflections from GEFI 2026 and What It Means for Jersey

Across the discussions, there was a clear sense that sustainable finance is moving into a more practical phase, with growing emphasis on resilience, risk, competitiveness, energy security and long-term value creation.

This reflects a more mature phase for the sector, moving away from ambition to implementation, where credibility and outcomes are increasingly central. Sustainable finance continues to move forward with purpose and perhaps the biggest ally in the efforts is that it increasingly makes economic sense to do so.

The SDG Hive explored the future of the UN SDGs in a changing global environment. While the discussion acknowledged that the SDG targets will not be met in full, there are areas of progress, including improvements in electricity access, internet access and literacy.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of context for the SDGs. Different jurisdictions face different priorities and not all SDGs can be approached in the same way. Tackling ocean-related issues, for example, is extremely challenging at a national level. In some parts of the world access to electricity, food and basic infrastructure remains the most pressing issue, in others, the focus may be on decarbonisation, nature loss, governance or financing long-term transition.

Against a backdrop of more fragmented multilateralism, there was a sense that the SDGs may need to be translated into more localised, practical and achievable action. Ultimately, it will be for the UN to determine the future of the framework, including whether the target date should be extended.

One thing that is certain and was unanimously agreed is that the aspirations of the SDGs are more relevant than ever. In an increasingly fractured world, the fact that all 193 UN member states agreed to the SDGs at the time is significant. It is difficult to imagine the same level of global consensus being reached today.

For me, one of the most thought-provoking parts of the week was the screening of Climate Blueprint: Barbados.

The film explores how SIDS, particularly Barbados, are helping to shape global conversations around climate resilience, ocean governance and international financial reform. Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, has become a leading voice for systemic change to what many describe as an ‘outdated system’.

It highlighted the ‘Bridgetown Initiative’, a model intended to transform international development finance and support vulnerable nations at the forefront of the climate crisis.

SIDs, such as Barbados, are disproportionately affected by climate change and face significant challenges in responding to it. For example, interest rates on international lending can be around four times higher than those faced by Western developed nations. Despite this, the film is a powerful reminder of what ambition and commitment can achieve in the transition to net zero.

The film provides a useful lens through which to consider how small jurisdictions can contribute to global conversations on resilience and financial reform.

The Future Sustainable Finance Leaders, will be screening the film at their next event on Wednesday 23 September 2026. See their Linkedin page for more information.

Another key theme from the summit was the changing narrative around transition finance.

The transition to a lower-carbon economy remains one of the most pressing sustainability challenges. Increasingly, however, it is also being understood through the lens of economic competitiveness and energy security.

Significant progress has been made, with transition finance now reaching approximately US$1.9 trillion per year. However, an estimated US$8.1 trillion is still required and capital flows remain concentrated to the companies and industries that are already green.

Geopolitical instability, energy price volatility and supply chain disruption are changing how governments, investors and businesses think about transition. The question is, how economies build resilience, manage risk and remain competitive in a changing global environment?

Japan was referenced several times throughout the summit as a market demonstrating strong commitment to sustainable finance and transition finance. Its approach reflects a pragmatic understanding that transition is both an environmental priority and an economic opportunity, with sustainability assets under management having tripled in recent years.

The discussion also highlighted how current geopolitical instability, particularly in the Middle East, is strengthening the strategic case for renewables. The Strait of Hormuz was cited as one example of how energy security concerns can accelerate the case for renewables, particularly in markets such as Japan where energy independence is a strategic priority.

While regulation, reporting and standards remain essential, the summit also returned to a more fundamental question: what values are shaping financial decision-making?

Discussions explored the importance of language, responsibility, judgement and long-term thinking alongside data, frameworks and technical standards. Fundamentally, credibility in sustainable finance depends on transparency and accountability, as well as the culture and values that shape decisions.

A highlight from this year’s summit, as well as the previous one, was hearing from Baron Alderdice. He spoke about leadership, culture and relationships in an increasingly fragmented world, reflecting on how different societies and systems do not always share the same understanding of what is ‘good’ and long-established assumptions about the global order are being challenged.

He referenced Mark Carney’s recent speech at Davos describing it as one of the most significant speeches by a global leader in recent years because of the way it recognised complexity, pluralism and the need to build relationships across difference.

He also pointed to Pope Leo, King Charles and Mark Carney as examples of public figures bringing a moral framework to complex global issues, while treating differing views with respect.

He gave two helpful reminders that stood out for me, which can be applied outside of sustainable finance too:

Relationships are never “sorted”. They are organic and need to be continually nurtured.

Language matters. It can unite or divide, and as it evolves, we need to be mindful of how it is understood by different audiences.

For me, this connected strongly with the wider sustainable finance discussion. Frameworks, reporting and standards are essential but they need to be supported by judgement, leadership and a clear sense of purpose. Sustainable finance is ultimately shaped by the values and decisions of the people and institutions behind it.

A final theme from the week was the importance for sustainable finance to appeal to a broader audience and the need to bring people on the journey.

Terms such as ESG, ethical finance, impact, transition and sustainable investment can mean different things to different people. Used well, they can provide clarity and direction. To be effective, they also need to connect with real-world priorities.

For many audiences, sustainable finance may become more tangible when it is linked to resilience, security, fairness, opportunity and long-term value. These themes can help technical frameworks resonate more clearly with businesses, investors and communities.

This is both a communications opportunity and a strategic priority. Sustainable finance needs to be understood as relevant to business decisions, client conversations and long-term competitiveness, not as a standalone or specialist topic.