Innovation Finance for Development: Catalysing Partnerships and Capital for Sustainable Impact in Asia and the Pacific

Presented empirical research demonstrating a positive correlation between ESG education and ESG investment, with studies showing a 5–21% enhancement in investment outcomes. He underscored efforts to reduce barriers to ESG learning through the ESG Made Simple book series (available via Amazon at distribution cost) and free ESG reporting resources (https://www.ifrs.report).

Introduced the IOM Climate Mobility Catalytic Fund, which provides 50-50 matching grants for climate mitigation and adaptation projects in frontline migration countries. He emphasized that public entities should complement—not compete with—private investment, focusing on domains where private capital is absent.

Highlighted biodiversity financing as a driver of conservation and sustainable growth, pointing to nature-based solutions, ecosystem services, and conservation finance as critical enablers of resilience.

Shared private investment perspectives, stressing that private capital brings discipline, scalability, and accountability. He outlined Mandala Capital’s Pan-Asian footprint across Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines, and its focus on climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and inclusive infrastructure. He emphasized innovation finance mechanisms such as blended structures, catalytic capital, and thematic vehicles as scalable pathways to impact.