The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) jointly organised a four-day international learning programme on Inclusive Green Finance Policy Implementation in Islamabad from November 3 to 6, 2026. The initiative brought together financial sector representatives, policymakers and experts from different countries to discuss approaches for integrating environmental sustainability into financial inclusion policies and strengthening the role of financial institutions in addressing climate-related challenges. The programme focused on practical policy implementation, international knowledge-sharing and the development of financial systems that can support vulnerable communities while responding to climate risks.
The programme brought together 35 participants representing 23 countries, including Eswatini, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bangladesh, Uganda, Honduras, Tajikistan, Botswana, Cambodia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Egypt, Jordan, Nepal, Fiji, Peru, Mongolia, Sudan, the Maldives, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Lesotho, Palestine and Ghana. The West African regional institution BCEAO also participated in the initiative. The international representation provided an opportunity for delegates to exchange experiences, discuss country-specific challenges and examine policy approaches for advancing inclusive green finance. Discussions also enabled participants to understand how different financial systems are addressing climate-related vulnerabilities and incorporating sustainability objectives into their financial inclusion strategies.
The inaugural session was attended by Jameel Ahmad, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, as Chief Guest, while Aban Haq, Director of Strategy, Member Engagement and Evaluation at AFI, participated as Guest of Honour. Welcome remarks were delivered by Gulam Muhammad Abbassi, Executive Director of SBP’s Financial Inclusion Group. The programme also featured remarks from Lasse Melgaard, Operations Manager for Pakistan at the World Bank, highlighting the importance of collaboration between financial institutions and international development organisations in supporting inclusive and sustainable financial policies. On the second day, Saleem Ullah, Deputy Governor of SBP, delivered the opening remarks and presided over a cultural dinner hosted for international delegates, providing an opportunity for further engagement among participants.
The inaugural session was also attended by Adnan Imran, Chief Manager of SBP Banking Services Corporation Islamabad, and Rizwan Khaleel Shamsi, Chief Manager of SBP Banking Services Corporation Rawalpindi. Umair Ahmad, Head of the Financial Inclusion Support Department (FISD), also participated in the programme. Contributions from SBP leadership and technical experts formed an important part of the learning activities. These included Abid Qamar, Director of the Agricultural Credit and Financial Inclusion Department (ACFID), and Dr. Muhammad Saleem, Director of the Sustainable Housing and Shariah Finance Department (SH&SFD), who contributed to discussions covering relevant areas of financial inclusion and sustainable finance policy implementation.
The learning agenda covered several important areas related to the development of inclusive green financial systems. One of the central themes was operationalising Pakistan’s Green Taxonomy and sustainable finance frameworks, with discussions focusing on how financial institutions can incorporate environmental considerations into their lending and financing activities. Participants also examined the integration of climate-related financial risks into regulatory frameworks and banking practices, particularly the importance of identifying and managing risks that could affect financial institutions, borrowers and wider economic activity. These discussions highlighted the role of regulators in developing policies that encourage responsible financing while strengthening the financial sector’s capacity to respond to environmental challenges.
Climate-smart agriculture and digital agricultural financing also featured prominently in the programme. Participants explored the use of financial technology and digital platforms to improve access to agricultural financing, including SBP’s Zarkheze platform. The discussions examined how digital solutions can help connect farmers with financial services and support agricultural activities facing climate-related pressures. Agricultural risk insurance and microfinance were also included as important financing mechanisms for strengthening resilience among farming communities and other vulnerable groups. These areas were considered alongside the need to improve financial accessibility and develop financing solutions that address the specific requirements of communities exposed to environmental and economic risks.
Another major component of the programme focused on data harmonisation, reporting mechanisms and methods for measuring inclusive green finance. Participants discussed the importance of reliable data in assessing the progress of sustainable finance initiatives, monitoring financial sector performance and supporting evidence-based policymaking. International peer learning, cross-border collaboration and country-specific action planning were also included in the agenda to help participating countries identify practical steps for implementing inclusive green finance policies within their respective financial systems.
Through the joint initiative, SBP and AFI provided an international platform for financial sector representatives to examine the relationship between financial inclusion, environmental sustainability and climate resilience. The programme also highlighted the importance of coordinated policy development, digital financial solutions and stronger institutional frameworks in expanding access to sustainable financial services. Its discussions and knowledge-sharing activities addressed how countries can adapt their financial inclusion strategies to changing climate conditions while ensuring that vulnerable communities, particularly those dependent on agriculture and other climate-sensitive economic activities, remain connected to formal financial services.
The four-day programme reflected the growing importance of inclusive green finance in financial sector policy discussions, bringing together international expertise and Pakistan’s regulatory experience to examine practical approaches for sustainable financial development. Through engagement between central banking representatives, international institutions and financial inclusion specialists, the initiative provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and develop country-level approaches for integrating climate considerations into financial policies and banking practices.
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