07 September 2026, Geneva, Switzerland — UNITAR and the Building Bridges Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Geneva on 3 September 2026, recognising UNITAR as a Networking Partner of the Building Bridges Conference. Karen Hitschke, CEO of Building Bridges, and Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR, signed the agreement. The MoU sets out an initial set of shared activities and opens the door to a broader partnership to address critical capacity gaps in the area of sustainable finance.
Photo credit: UNITAR
In a period of tight fiscal space, high debt and repeated economic and climate shocks, public and private capital need to work together far more effectively than they do today. That work requires knowledge and skills that remain in short supply. Many ministries of economy and finance lack the capacity to develop the regulatory frameworks and financial incentives needed to attract investments at scale, while ensuring that the costs and benefits of the transition are distributed fairly. At the same time, business leaders struggle to translate carbon emissions, biodiversity impact, or social indicators into financial metrics and strategic decision-making. Building a shared understanding requires learning and skills development at scale, from foundational sustainable finance literacy to specialized expertise in areas such as adaptation and nature finance.
UNITAR brings a strong track record, delivering tailored capacity development on sustainable finance to developing countries and working with partners including UNDP, UNEP FI, and the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action. In addition to targeted online and face-to-face trainings for governments and other stakeholders, the Institute works with partner countries to build national learning ecosystems for better use of public funds and leveraging private finance.
Photo credit: UNITAR
Building Bridges holds its seventh edition from 6 to 8 October 2026 at the CICG in Geneva, under the banner "Investable Solutions to Global Challenges". Over three days it brings together decision-makers from finance, business, government, civil society, academia and international organizations across a summit, high-level plenaries, community-led action events and a solutions stage. The partnership connects UNITAR's work with a community shaping the global sustainable finance agenda, turning conversations in Geneva into learning solutions that can travel beyond its borders.
Interested in learning more about sustainable finance? Then take our Introduction to Sustainable Finance e-course!