EBRD launches public consultation on Gender Equality and Human Capital Strategy

• EBRD launches public consultation on its Gender Equality and Human Capital Strategy 2026‑30
• Consultation open for comments until 12 April
• Comments and feedback can be submitted via email to gehcstrategy@ebrd.com

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is launching a public consultation on its proposed Gender Equality and Human Capital (GEHC) Strategy 2026‑30.

The consultation will be open for comments until 12 April, and the Bank invites stakeholders to submit feedback via email to gehcstrategy@ebrd.com.

Under the EBRD’s Strategic and Capital Framework 2026‑30, human capital and equality of opportunity for all constitute one of the Bank’s three priority areas – alongside economic governance and the transition to a green economy – supported by two cross‑cutting enablers: digital technology and private‑sector mobilisation.

The GEHC Strategy sets out how the Bank will foster gender equality and human capital in its countries of operation by focusing on long‑term, systemic improvements that expand access to skills and quality employment, support inclusive financial systems and business environments, expand infrastructure and energy services to underserved areas, and preserve human capital and gender equality in the contexts of conflict and state fragility. It emphasises depth and quality of impact through scalable and replicable approaches, agile responses to evolving social and economic conditions, and long‑term sustainability driven by behavioural, institutional and policy change.

Building on a strong track record – including a four‑fold increase in the number of projects with gender equality and human capital impact since 2020 – the strategy maintains the target that at least 40 per cent of annual EBRD projects promote gender equality. It introduces a new tracking indicator for projects delivering meaningful human capital impact, with a reference point of at least 50 per cent of annual operations, and reaffirms that at least 80 per cent of investments in Ukraine will integrate human capital components.

The strategy also commits to reinforcing ex post accountability by enhancing monitoring and reporting mechanisms and investing in institutional capacity building. A newly established monitoring framework sets out measurable ambitions for the coming five years, including the upskilling of over 50,000 individuals, improved access to infrastructure and energy services for 25 million people, and the provision of €1 billion of financing to underserved groups, with no less than €500 million directed to women.

The EBRD welcomes contributions from stakeholders, partners, clients, civil society organisations and the wider public. Their feedback will help refine the GEHC Strategy ahead of final approval, ensuring it responds to market needs and the priorities of the Bank’s regions, sectors, clients and beneficiaries.