As climate-related disasters grow in intensity and frequency, Chair of the Sustainable Finance Technical Committee, Mr. Gordon Julien, has issued a compelling call for Saint Lucia’s financial institutions to embrace sustainable finance as a strategy for resilience and growth.
Speaking at the opening of the Sustainable Finance Training Program for Public Sector Agencies, Julien highlighted the real and rising financial risks tied to climate change, warning that behind every extreme weather event lies economic fallout.
“When we speak about climate change, the first images that often come to mind are rising seas, stronger storms, and scorched crops. But behind every climate event is a financial consequence,” he said. “A loan that cannot be repaid, a business forced to close, or a family struggling to rebuild.”
The new training program, led by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), is designed to equip government agencies with the tools and knowledge to better understand and apply sustainable finance principles. The goal is to help public sector officials make more informed decisions, develop resilient policies, and lead the integration of sustainability into Saint Lucia’s financial systems.
Julien urged financial institutions to move beyond reactive approaches and instead build robust, proactive systems that integrate sustainable finance principles. He noted that while no product can be fully disaster-proof, strategic planning and policy design can reduce long-term risks and protect clients and institutions alike.
“We can no longer continue reacting after the fact, starting from scratch after each event. It is imperative that we act now and build robust systems, tools, and knowledge that will weather what’s ahead.”
He emphasized that sustainable finance offers practical tools for assessing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks—tools that many global institutions are already using with measurable success. These benefits, he noted, include improved risk management, stronger portfolios, greater innovation, and the ability to attract top talent.
The training program, developed under the guidance of the Private Sector Sustainable Finance Technical Committee, was crafted with direct input from professionals across Saint Lucia’s finance sector, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurers, and regulators.
Julien called on leaders to support the initiative by encouraging staff participation in the free training, allowing time for learning, and applying new insights within their organizations.
“By doing this, you will improve the effectiveness of your institutions, the survival of your clients, and the economy of Saint Lucia,” he said, adding, “Let’s invest in knowledge, collaboration, and leadership. And let’s ensure our financial sector is not only ready for the future but is shaping it.”
Julien delivered his remarks on Thursday during the launch of the Sustainable Finance Training Program, held at the Finance Administrative Centre in Pointe Seraphine.
