In two terms at the head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Sir Suma Chakrabarti oversaw operations at this leading development bank as climate change rose to the top of the international agenda. In his role, Sir Suma integrated the Sustainable Development Goals into bank activities, increased of green economy transition investments to nearly half of the Bank’s business, and, most recently, confronted the coronavirus pandemic. Sir Suma is a member of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate.

Under Sir Suma's leadership, EBRD has advanced the climate change agenda through its climate finance commitments, its pioneering work on energy efficiency and its overall Green Economy Transition approach. It has also actively supported joint multilateral development bank efforts to align operations with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

In conversation with WRI President and CEO Andrew Steer, Sir Suma will reflect on his time at the helm of the EBRD, the unique role of the bank in sustainable development and its past, present and future role in confronting the climate challenge. Expert respondents will offer brief remarks, followed by audience Q&A.

Keynote: Sir Suma Chakrabarti, President, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Moderator: Andrew Steer, President & CEO, World Resources Institute

Respondents:

  • Naoko Ishii, CEO and Chair, Global Environment Facility
  • Elizabeth Littlefield, Senior Counselor and Head of the Sustainability Practice, Albright Stonebridge Group; formerly Chair, President and CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation
  • Josue Tanaka, Managing Director for Operational Strategy and Planning, and Energy Efficiency and Climate Change, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
  • Leonardo Martinez-Diaz, Global Director, World Resources Institute Finance Center

This event hosted by the WRI Finance Center. Learn more about our work.