WASHINGTON, D.C., February 17, 2022 — The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, Aaa/AAA) issued a SEK green bond due August 2028, raising SEK 4 billion. The Folksam Group was the sole investor in the transaction. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) was the sole lead manager for this transaction.
Heike Reichelt, Head of Investor Relations and Sustainable Finance, World Bank Treasury, said, “World Bank bonds are a way for investors to contribute to their sustainable investment targets as they channel funds to our member countries for a greener and more resilient future. We are delighted to once again collaborate with the Folksam Group and appreciate their holistic approach including not only green, but sustainable investment products overall.”
Marcus Blomberg, Investment Manager, Folksam, said, “I am pleased with the close cooperation we within the Folksam Group have had for a long time with the World Bank and their various initiatives for sustainable development. Customers of Folksam not only get a secure return on their pension money but can also be involved in and contribute to a sustainable future.”
The World Bank has issued over 200 green bonds in 22 currencies, totaling nearly USD 17 billion equivalent since its inaugural issue in 2008. World Bank Green Bonds support the financing of projects in member countries that meet specific criteria for low carbon and climate resilient growth, seeking to mitigate climate change or help affected people adapt to it. The types of eligible projects include renewable energy installations, energy efficiency projects, and new technologies in waste management and agriculture that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help finance the transition to a low carbon economy. They also support the financing of forest and watershed management and infrastructure projects that prevent climate-related flood damage and build climate resilience.
For more information on World Bank Green Bonds and impact reporting: https://treasury.worldbank.org/en/about/unit/treasury/ibrd/ibrd-green-bonds
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. World Bank Green Bonds are aligned with the Green Bond Principles published by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA). The World Bank is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Green Bond, Social Bond, and Sustainability-Linked 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.
Disclaimers
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.
Net proceeds of the securities described herein are not committed or earmarked for lending to, or financing of, any particular projects or programs, and returns on the securities described herein are not linked to the performance of any particular project or program.
Contact
Heike Reichelt
Head of Investor Relations and Sustainable Finance
World Bank Treasury
debtsecurities@worldbank.org
