International cooperation: environmental capacity building

International Labour Organisation

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is the United Nations agency for the promotion of labour rights and social justice. It formulates minimum standards for labour rights such as freedom of association, the right to organize, collective bargaining, abolition of forced labour, equality of opportunity and treatment.

As early as 1992, EBRD and ILO entered into an Agreement of Cooperation to establish a framework to facilitate information exchanges, consultation, collaboration on technical assistance and the undertaking of studies concerning matters of mutual interest.

When developing its due diligence approach for labour issues, the EBRD consulted with the ILO as well as with specialists in other international organisations. EBRD-financed projects are required to comply with national labour standards as well as certain ILO prohibitions on child labour, forced labour, and discrimination.

More about the International Labour Organisation.

Multilateral Financial Institutions Environment Group and Development Financing Institutions’ Social Issues Working Group

Multilateral Financial Institutions Environment Group (MFI) and Development Financing Institutions’ Social Issues Working Group (DFI) are fora to discuss issues of mutual concern and interest among environmental and social experts. They have made considerable progress towards harmonising the approach MFIs take to environmental and social issues. MFI/DF liaise with the broader IFI community and private sector financial institutions, such as the Equator banks.

Recent discussions have focused on revising of the International Financial Corporation safeguard policies and updating the World Bank Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook. A key aim for the EBRD is to ensure that the Handbook reflects EU environmental legislation and standards. The EBRD also participates in the World Bank initiative to pilot use of country environmental approval systems as an element of IFI project appraisal cycles.

UNEP Financial Institutions initiative

The United Nations Environmental Programme’s Financial Institutions (UNEP-FI) Statement on Environment and Sustainable Development commits signatory FIs to integrate environmental considerations into all aspects of their operations. The EBRD assists its financial intermediaries to adopt UNEP-FI principles.

To support and expand sustainable finance in central and eastern Europe, UNEP-FI has established a dedicated task force: the Central European Task Force (CCETF). CCETF raises awareness of the link between environment and finance by focusing on the risks and opportunities associated with sustainability issues. CCETF consists of a core group of financial institutions and associate members such as non-governmental organisations, intergovernmental organisations and academics. The EBRD is a core member of the Task Force and is currently its Chair.

More about the UNEP Financial Institutions initiative.
More about the Central European Task Force.

UNEPFI Environmental & Social Risk Analysis (ESRA) E-learning Programme

The ESRA E-Learning Programme provides guidance on how consideration of social and environmental risks in mainstream financial analysis can open a wide range of opportunities for both the financial sector and for the promotion of sustainable development. The programme provides in-depth and personalised training. Tutors engage with participants online on a daily basis, providing guidance and facilitating debates. Participants will be involved in a range of activities, from simulating implementation of environmental and social policies and guidelines and analysing case studies, to carrying out exercises based on companies environmental and social impacts. The ESRA E-Learning Programme is a product of UNEP FI, Capacity Building International (InWent), and the INCAE Business School, with the support of the Ecobanking Project.

UNEP-FI ESRA pamphlet  (0.2Mb)