TOKYO, December 1, 2022 – The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, Aaa/AAA) issued an AUD 50 million 15-year Sustainable Development Bond while engaging with investors on the World Bank’s strategy, projects, and programs that support developing countries in the sustainable management of biodiversity and ecosystem services and integrating nature in development. Taiju Life was the sole investor in the bond. TD Securities is the sole underwriter and distributor of the bond.
The funds raised from investors through the issuance of Sustainable Development Bonds are used to support the financing of various programs and projects aimed at achieving sustainable development in developing countries including those which contribute to biodiversity conservation and promote nature-based solutions. The World Bank’s mission is to end extreme poverty by 2030 and to promote shared prosperity in a sustainable manner. These “twin goals” are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Biodiversity is critical to sustainable development, climate resilience, and human well-being. Animal, plant, and marine biodiversity comprise the "natural capital" that keeps our ecosystems functional and economies productive. Half of the world’s GDP depends on biodiversity and ecosystem services which include things like fresh water and timber, carbon storage and sequestration, natural landscapes that support tourism, and soil formation. With a steep decline in natural capital in the last 50 years, at least one million species are threatened with extinction. An estimated US$700 billion/year is needed to reverse the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services by 2030.
The World Bank is one of the largest international financiers of nature and works with partners to mobilize private capital and performance-based financing to deploy solutions across the globe. The World Bank’s integrated ecosystem-economy model sheds light on development risks associated with nature loss and helps identify effective policy responses as part of the World Bank’s contribution to the COP15 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in December 2022.
The bond was issued under the World Bank’s Sustainable Development Bond Framework.
About the World Bank
The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD), rated Aaa/AAA (Moody’s/S&P), is an international organization. Created in 1944, it is the original member of the World Bank Group and operates as a global development cooperative owned by 189 nations. The World Bank provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and other creditworthy countries to support the Sustainable Development Goals and to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. It also provides leadership to coordinate regional and global responses to development challenges. The World Bank has been issuing Sustainable Development Bonds in the international capital markets for over 70 years to fund programs and activities that achieve a positive impact. More information on World Bank bonds is available at www.worldbank.org/debtsecurities.
World Bank bonds support the financing of programs that further the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). World Bank bonds are aligned with the Sustainability Bond Guidelines published by the International Capital Market Association and as such support the financing of a combination of green and social, i.e., “sustainable development” projects, programs and activities in IBRD member countries as described in the World Bank Sustainable Development Bond Framework. The World Bank is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Green Bond, Social Bond, and Sustainability Bond Principles. A key priority for the World Bank’s capital markets’ engagement is building strategic partnerships with investors to promote the importance of private sector financing in sustainable development. The World Bank’s Sustainable Development Bond Impact Report describes how the World Bank engages with investors on the SDGs and raises awareness for specific development challenges.
Disclaimers
Net proceeds of the bonds described herein are not committed or earmarked for lending to, or financing of, any particular projects or programs, and returns on the bonds described herein are not linked to the performance of any particular project or program.
This press release is not an offer for sale of securities of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ("IBRD"), also known in the capital markets as "World Bank". Any offering of World Bank securities will take place solely on the basis of the relevant offering documentation including, but not limited to, the prospectus, term sheet and/or final terms, as applicable, prepared by the World Bank or on behalf of the World Bank, and is subject to restrictions under the laws of several countries. World Bank securities may not be offered or sold except in compliance with all such laws. The World Bank Sustainable Development Bond Framework and the information set forth therein are not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, the offering documentation.
This press release contains or references links to websites operated by third parties ("Third Party Websites"). These links are provided for information purposes only. Third Party Websites are not under control of IBRD. IBRD is not responsible for the content of, or links contained in, any Third Party Website, and the inclusion of such links does not imply IBRD endorses, recommends, or accepts any responsibility for the content of such Third Party Website.
Contact
Heike Reichelt, World Bank Treasury
debtsecurities@worldbank.org
