In partnership with [Roots of Impact](http://www.roots-of-impact.org/) and the [Center for Sustainable Finance and Private Wealth (CSP)](https://www.csp.uzh.ch/en.html) at the University of Zurich this is an actionable, practice-driven executive program.

The program aims at empowering public, philanthropic and private sector funders to collaborate effectively to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. A special ingredient are solutions that demonstrate how to enable high-impact enterprises with market-based solutions to scale and deliver positive impact in a sustainable way – a bottom-up approach. Our more than 130 IIBF alumni to date come from major organisations across the globe, e.g. UNDP, USAID, SDC/DEZA, GIZ, Global Affairs Canada, IFC, SECO, FAO as well as renowned foundations or NGOs such as UNICEF, Shell Foundation, Aqua for All, Menomadin Foundation, and Refugee Investment Network.

IIBF typically runs as an open program (based upon application) at its home base at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. It is also offered as a client-specific iteration in selected locations (e.g. 2 previous program runs for UNDP Egypt and UNDP Jordan). IIBF was designed and implemented based on the experience of close to 50 in-house trainings offered and held by program partner Roots of Impact since 2017. In addition, it builds on the extensive academic and practical expertise of Convergence and the Center for Sustainable Finance and Private Wealth (CSP).

Impact Investment & Blended Finance Executive Program

This actionable, practice-driven executive program aims at empowering public, philanthropic and private sector funders to collaborate effectively to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Executive program for impact investment and blended finance

__Wednesday, May 25 from 9:00-10:00 AM ET/3:00-4:00 PM CET.__

Join us for this webinar on the [SDG Impact Finance Initiative Design Funding Window](https://www.convergence.finance/design-funding/open-window/sdg-impact-finance-initiative-design-funding-window), with a special focus on SDG 4 – Quality Education. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges in achieving SDG 4, and the annual funding gap for education could grow from [$148 billion towards $200 billion](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/4b2ac87a-a562-4da9-98d7-cc8fa1f488fb/view).

The Window awards funding for innovative impact finance solutions that will mobilize private investment for sustainable development in emerging markets and developing economies. In this first call for proposals funding will be awarded to solutions targeting at least one of the following four SDGs: SDG 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), and 13 (Climate Action).

Register for the webinar today to:
- Learn about the SDG Impact Finance Initiative Design Funding Window
- Learn how the grants will be awarded to support better education outcomes
- Understand the current education finance landscape and how innovative finance can be positioned to support it, including top investors as well as an overview of gaps and opportunities
- Hear about real life examples of impact finance transactions targeting education
- Gain insights into how to apply and evaluation criteria
- Get your questions about the Window answered

__Agenda__

- Introduction to Convergence’s Design Funding program
- Introduction to the SDG Impact Finance Initiative and the current call for proposals for SDG 4 solutions 
- Overview of the education finance landscape
- Examples of impact finance solutions targeting education (details to come)
- Q&A and conclusion

The [SDG Impact Finance Initiative](https://www.convergence.finance/special-initiatives/sdg-impact-finance-initiative) is a unique public-private partnership launched in December 2021 by a consortium of four Swiss organizations - Credit Suisse, UBS Optimus Foundation, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Convergence is the implementing partner for the Initiative’s inaugural Design Funding Window.

The Design Funding Window is now open and the first submission deadline is June 30, 2022.


SDG Impact Finance Initiative Design Funding Window: Education Finance

Learn about the SDG Impact Finance Initiative Design Funding Window, with a special focus on SDG 4 – Quality Education. Understand the current education finance landscape and how innovative finance can be positioned to support it, including top investors as well as an overview of gaps and opportunities.

SDG Impact Finance Initiative focus on education finance

Convergence Eventbrite

__Blended Finance for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) (Asia/West Coast) Wednesday May 25th 9:00am – 11:30am SGT __

This seminar will focus on how blended finance addresses SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Over 2.5-hours (150 minutes), this interactive seminar will cover:

The current market demands, rationale, and considerations for deal sponsors as well as investors to leverage blended finance in support of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. This session will look at the deeper impact that approaching sustainable development from a local perspective can generate as well as the challenges in financing at a subnational level.

Participants will get an overview of how the development of our global urban centers is critical to achieving the SDGs and how blended finance structures can drive more private sector capital towards supporting sustainable initatives in cities. Participants will be invited to engage directly with the Convergence team as well as expert practitioners in the field to better understand the challenges and opportunities for blended finance investments targeting SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities & Communities.

This is the fourth seminar in our four-part series, “Leveraging Blended Finance to achieve the UN SDGs”.

*The training has limited space to ensure an intensive and practice-driven learning experience. Each Convergence member organization has two complimentary seats in each training, please apply the __discount code__ you received by e-mail. Non-members can register for a fee of USD150.*

Blended Finance for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) - SGT

'Blended Finance for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) is the fourth training in Convergence's series "Leveraging Blended Finance to achieve the UN SDGs".

Blended Finance for Sustainable Cities and Communities

__Blended Finance for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) (Europe/East Coast) Tuesday May 24th 9am – 11:30am EDT __

This seminar will focus on how blended finance addresses SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Over 2.5-hours (150 minutes), this interactive seminar will cover:

The current market demands, rationale, and considerations for deal sponsors as well as investors to leverage blended finance in support of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. This session will look at the deeper impact that approaching sustainable development from a local perspective can generate as well as the challenges in financing at a subnational level.

Participants will get an overview of how the development of our global urban centers is critical to achieving the SDGs and how blended finance structures can drive more private sector capital towards supporting sustainable initiatives in cities. Participants will be invited to engage directly with the Convergence team as well as expert practitioners in the field to better understand the challenges and opportunities for blended finance investments targeting SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities & Communities.

This is the fourth seminar in our four-part series, “Leveraging Blended Finance to achieve the UN SDGs”.

*The training has limited space to ensure an intensive and practice-driven learning experience. Each Convergence member organization has two complimentary seats in each training, please apply the __discount code__ you received by e-mail. Non-members can register for a fee of USD150.*

Blended Finance for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) - EDT

__How Blended Finance Supports Sustainable Life on Land (SDG 15) (Asia/West Coast) Wednesday April 27th at 9am – 11:30am SGT __

This seminar will focus on how blended finance addresses SDG 15 – Life on Land.

Over 2.5-hours (150 minutes), this interactive seminar will cover:
- The current market demands, rationale, and considerations for deal sponsors as well as investors to leverage blended finance in support of regenerating and protecting Life on Land.
- Case studies and trend analysis on blended finance transactions that address SDG 15 and how this goal is inter-linked with other SDGs.
- Recommendations and learnings from organisations actively engaged in blended finance transactions aimed at promoting sustainable land use and conservation. 

Participants will get an overview of how concerns about the health of our terrestrial ecosystems are influencing the market and why investors are attracted to innovative blended finance structures to drive more private sector capital towards supporting these initiatives. Participants will be invited to engage directly with the Convergence team as well as expert practitioners in the field to better understand the challenges and opportunities of blended finance investments in this space.
This is the third seminar in our four-part series, “Leveraging Blended Finance to achieve the UN SDGs”.

*The training has limited space to ensure an intensive and practice-driven learning experience. Each Convergence member organization has two complimentary seats in each training, please apply the __discount code__ you received by e-mail. Non-members can register for a fee of USD150.*

How Blended Finance Supports Sustainable Life on Land (SDG 15) - Asia/West Coast

'How Blended Finance Supports Sustainable Life on Land (SDG 15) is the third training in Convergence's series "Leveraging Blended Finance to achieve the UN SDGs".

How Blended Finance Supports Sustainable Life on Land 

__How Blended Finance Supports Sustainable Life on Land (SDG 15) (Europe/East Coast) Tuesday April 26th at 9am – 11:30am EDT __

This seminar will focus on how blended finance addresses SDG 15 – Life on Land.

Over 2.5-hours (150 minutes), this interactive seminar will cover:
- The current market demands, rationale, and considerations for deal sponsors as well as investors to leverage blended finance in support of regenerating and protecting Life on Land.
- Case studies and trend analysis on blended finance transactions that address SDG 15 and how this goal is inter-linked with other SDGs.
- Recommendations and learnings from organisations actively engaged in blended finance transactions aimed at promoting sustainable land use and conservation. 

Participants will get an overview of how concerns about the health of our terrestrial ecosystems are influencing the market and why investors are attracted to innovative blended finance structures to drive more private sector capital towards supporting these initiatives. Participants will be invited to engage directly with the Convergence team as well as expert practitioners in the field to better understand the challenges and opportunities of blended finance investments in this space.
This is the third seminar in our four-part series, “Leveraging Blended Finance to achieve the UN SDGs”.

*The training has limited space to ensure an intensive and practice-driven learning experience. Each Convergence member organization has two complimentary seats in each training, please apply the __discount code__ you received by e-mail. Non-members can register for a fee of USD150.*

How Blended Finance Supports Sustainable Life on Land (SDG 15) - Europe/East Coast

We invite you to join us virtually for the launch of the new SDG Impact Finance Initiative Design Funding Window, which will award grants for innovative impact finance solutions that will mobilize private capital for sustainable development in emerging and frontier markets. This new Window will focus on education, jobs, climate, and responsible consumption/production.

Register for the webinar today to:

- Learn about the SDG Impact Finance Initiative
- Learn about Convergence’s Design Funding Program
- Gain insights into how to apply and evaluation criteria
- Get your questions about the Window answered

The [SDG Impact Finance Initiative](https://www.convergence.finance/special-initiatives/sdg-impact-finance-initiative) is a unique public-private partnership launched in December 2021 by a consortium of four Swiss organizations - Credit Suisse, UBS Optimus Foundation, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Convergence is the implementing partner for the Initiative’s inaugural Design Funding Window.

The Design Funding Window is now open and the first submission deadline is June 30, 2022. Visit the [Design Funding page](https://www.convergence.finance/design-funding/open-window/sdg-impact-finance-initiative-design-funding-window) to apply.

__Agenda__

Opening remarks – 9:00-9:05 AM ET / 3:00-3:05 PM CET

Introduction to the SDG Impact Finance Initiative – 9:05-9:15 AM ET / 3:05-3:15 PM CET

Introduction to Convergence and Design Funding Program: __Chris Clubb__, Managing Director, Convergence – 9:15-9:20 AM ET / 3:15-3:20 PM CET

Launch of Design Funding call for proposals – 9:20-9:35 AM ET / 3:20-3:35 PM CET

Case study of a Design Funding grantee: __Christina (CJ) Juhasz__, CIO, [Women's World Banking](https://www.womensworldbanking.org/) – 9:35-9:40 AM ET / 3:35-3:40 PM CET

Q&A and conclusion – 9:40-10:00 AM ET / 3:40 PM-4:00 PM CET


Design Funding Window Launch: SDG Impact Finance Initiative

The new SDG Impact Finance Initiative Design Funding Window will award grants for innovative impact finance solutions that will mobilize private capital for sustainable development in emerging and frontier markets

SDG Impact Finance Initiative design funding window launch

__Exploring the Blended Finance and Gender Equality Nexus (Asia/West Coast) Wednesday, March 31st, 9am – 11:30am SGT (GMT+8)__

---

This seminar will focus on how blended finance addresses SDG 5 – Gender Equality. 

Over 2.5-hours (150 minutes), this interactive seminar will cover:

- The current market demands, rationale, and considerations for deal         sponsors as well as investors to leverage blended finance in support       of gender equality.
- Case studies and trend analysis on blended finance transactions that       address SDG 5 and how this goal is inter-linked with other SDGs.
- Recommendations and learnings from organisations actively engaged in       blended finance transactions aimed at promoting awareness around           gender-lens and gender-smart investments in developing countries. 

Participants will get an overview of how considerations around gender are currently impacting the market and why investors are attracted to innovative blended finance structures to drive more private sector capital towards supporting gender equality. Participants will be invited to engage directly with the Convergence team as well as expert practitioners in the field to better understand the challenges and opportunities of blended finance investments in this space. 

This is the second seminar in our four-part series, “Leveraging Blended Finance to achieve the UN SDGs”.

*The training has limited space to ensure an intensive and practice-driven learning experience. Each Convergence member organization has two complimentary seats in each training, please apply the __discount code__ you received by e-mail. Non-members can register for a fee of USD150.*

Exploring the Blended Finance and Gender Equality Nexus (SDG 5) - Asia/West Coast

'Exploring the Blended Finance and Gender Equality Nexus (SDG 5)' is the second training in Convergence's series "Leveraging Blended Finance to achieve the UN SDGs".

Exploring the Blended Finance and Gender Equality Nexus

__Exploring the Blended Finance and Gender Equality Nexus (Europe/East Coast) Wednesday, March 30th, 9am – 11:30am EDT (GMT-4)__

---

This seminar will focus on how blended finance addresses SDG 5 – Gender Equality. 

Over 2.5-hours (150 minutes), this interactive seminar will cover:

- The current market demands, rationale, and considerations for deal         sponsors as well as investors to leverage blended finance in support       of gender equality.
- Case studies and trend analysis on blended finance transactions that       address SDG 5 and how this goal is inter-linked with other SDGs.
- Recommendations and learnings from organisations actively engaged in       blended finance transactions aimed at promoting awareness around           gender-lens and gender-smart investments in developing countries. 

Participants will get an overview of how considerations around gender are currently impacting the market and why investors are attracted to innovative blended finance structures to drive more private sector capital towards supporting gender equality. Participants will be invited to engage directly with the Convergence team as well as expert practitioners in the field to better understand the challenges and opportunities of blended finance investments in this space. 

This is the second seminar in our four-part series, “Leveraging Blended Finance to achieve the UN SDGs”.

*The training has limited space to ensure an intensive and practice-driven learning experience. Each Convergence member organization has two complimentary seats in each training, please apply the __discount code__ you received by e-mail. Non-members can register for a fee of USD150.*

Exploring the Blended Finance and Gender Equality Nexus (SDG 5) - Europe/East Coast

__Tuesday, March 15 2022, 9am – 10am Eastern time:__

---

“Inside the deal” is our quarterly webinar series where we delve into the inner workings of real blended finance transactions. Each quarter, Convergence features a transaction from our [case study portfolio](https://www.convergence.finance/resource?filters=eyJyZXNvdXJjZUZvbGRlciI6IlJlc291cmNlcyIsImtleXdvcmQiOiIiLCJpbnN0cnVtZW50Rm9jdXMiOltdLCJzZWN0b3JzQW5kU3ViU2VjdG9ycyI6e30sInJlZ2lvbkZvY3VzIjpbXSwidGhlbWVGb2N1cyI6W10sInJlc291cmNlVHlwZSI6WyJDYXNlIFN0dWRpZXMiXSwidGFncyI6W119) and gives members an opportunity to candidly engage with the deal sponsor on their experience structuring the transaction.  

This webinar will focus on  the Aceli Africa Facility. The facility was launched in September 2020, to address the mismatch between the risk-return hurdle for lenders and the demand for capital among Agri-SME’s. It is a donor funded facility that has been used to catalyze private sector lending to Agri SME’s, through the use of a first loss cover and financial incentives to local lenders, technical assistance, and a data driven approach to inform policy and review learnings in order to promote market development.

This hour-long workshop will include:

- Overview of the facility design, and fundraising experience from Aceli
- Convergence-led interview with key stakeholders involved in the transaction to discuss key lessons learned thus far
- Open Q&A with audience 

*This member-only, in-depth case-study series  has limited space to ensure a personal, intensive, and practice-driven learning experience. Each Convergence member organization has two complimentary seats to this session.*

Inside the Deal: Aceli Africa Facility

Aceli Africa Case Study, Convergence 2020 (1)

Case study inside the deal aceli africa facility blended finance

__Blended Finance in the Blue Economy (SDG 14) (Asia/West Coast) Tuesday, March 1st, 9am – 11:30am SGT (GMT+8)__

---

Over 2.5 hours, this seminar will focus on how blended finance addresses SDG 14: Life Below Water and will cover:

- The rationale and considerations for deal sponsors and investors to leverage blended finance as a structuring approach in the Blue Economy.

- Case studies and trend analysis on blended finance transactions that address SDG 14.

- Recommendations and learnings from organisations actively engaged in blended finance transactions linked to sustainable initiatives for marine, sea and ocean resources. 

Participants will get an overview of the market interest in the Blue Economy and why investors have been attracted to innovative blended finance structures that drive more investment towards the conservation and sustainable use of the world’s oceans, seas and marine resources. Participants will be invited to engage directly with the Convergence team as well as expert practitioners in the field to better understand the challenges and opportunities of blended finance investments in this space. 

This is the first seminar in our four-part series, “Leveraging Blended Finance to achieve the UN SDGs”.

*The training has limited space to ensure an intensive and practice-driven learning experience. Each Convergence member organization has two complimentary seats in each training, please apply the __discount code__ you received by e-mail. Non-members can register for a fee of USD150.*

Blended Finance in the Blue Economy (SDG 14) (Asia/West Coast)

'Blended Finance in the Blue Economy' is the first training in Convergence's series "Leveraging Blended Finance to achieve the UN SDGs".

Blended Finance in the Blue Economy (SDG 14)

__Blended Finance in the Blue Economy (SDG 14) (Europe/East Coast) Monday, February 28th, 9am – 11:30am EDT (GMT-4)__

---

Over 2.5 hours, this seminar will focus on how blended finance addresses SDG 14: Life Below Water and will cover:

- The rationale and considerations for deal sponsors and investors to leverage blended finance as a structuring approach in the Blue Economy.

- Case studies and trend analysis on blended finance transactions that address SDG 14.

- Recommendations and learnings from organisations actively engaged in blended finance transactions linked to sustainable initiatives for marine, sea and ocean resources. 

Participants will get an overview of the market interest in the Blue Economy and why investors have been attracted to innovative blended finance structures that drive more investment towards the conservation and sustainable use of the world’s oceans, seas and marine resources. Participants will be invited to engage directly with the Convergence team as well as expert practitioners in the field to better understand the challenges and opportunities of blended finance investments in this space. 

This is the first seminar in our four-part series, “Leveraging Blended Finance to achieve the UN SDGs”.

*The training has limited space to ensure an intensive and practice-driven learning experience. Each Convergence member organization has two complimentary seats in each training, please apply the __discount code__ you received by e-mail. Non-members can register for a fee of USD150.*