The EDB’s cumulative portfolio of green projects totals approximately US $1.7 billion
Almaty, 29 September 2025. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has released its Sustainability Report, which highlights key achievements, new initiatives and progress in ESG for 2024.
The Bank is publishing its non-financial reporting for the second year in a row and has introduced several innovations in its 2024 report. One of the central features is the disclosure of information in line with the UN Principles for Responsible Banking (UNEP FI). The EDB was the first bank in Central Asia to join these Principles, underscoring its commitment to high standards of environmental protection, social responsibility and corporate governance. This is an important step towards strengthening the Bank’s long-term sustainability and enhancing its contribution to the development of the region.
The report pays particular attention to climate risks. In 2024, the EDB carried out its first assessment of the physical climate risks associated with its investment portfolio, based on the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). This analysis enables the Bank to manage climate risks more effectively and to build a climate-resilient investment portfolio. The 2024 Sustainability Report has been prepared in accordance with GRI standards and includes disclosures under IFRS S1 and S2 of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).
“The EDB is systematically integrating ESG principles into its operations and building an investment portfolio that works for the region’s green future. For example, our cumulative portfolio of climate finance projects, amounting to approximately US $900 million, prevents almost 900,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year. In doing so, we contribute to low-carbon development and promote ESG practices in the region where we operate. Our second Sustainability Report demonstrates our progress in this area and our commitment to quality and sustainable growth with care for people and the environment. We hope that the report will serve as a useful source of information for a wide range of our partners and stakeholders,” said Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of the EDB Management Board.
Annual sustainability reporting in line with international standards has become standard practice among leading companies and financial institutions. For the EDB, it not only records progress in environmental, social and governance areas, but also demonstrates responsible risk management, builds trust with partners and reinforces its commitment to transparency and leadership in creating a sustainable future.
The EDB’s ESG performance in 2024:
- more than 40,000 jobs created in the member countries;
- the share of projects contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals exceeded 30% of the Bank’s investment portfolio, twice the target under the EDB’s 2022–2026 Strategy;
- the Bank’s cumulative green portfolio reached almost US $1.7 billion;
- the investment portfolio prevented or reduced more than 800,000 tonnes of CO₂eq emissions;
- the Bank’s own emissions decreased by 13% compared to 2023 through fuel savings and efficiency measures.
The report also sets out the Bank’s initiatives aimed at creating a favourable investment environment for sustainable development projects in the region, including technical assistance measures, research and analysis, and cooperation with international partners. Over the year, the Bank continued to enhance its internal processes in corporate governance, human resources and risk management, consistently implementing high ESG standards.
The 2024 Sustainability Report was reviewed by the EDB’s Sustainability Committee and approved by the Management Board. The document is available here.
Additional Information:
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is a multilateral development bank investing in Eurasia. For more than 19 years, the Bank has worked to strengthen and expand economic ties and foster comprehensive development in its member countries. By 2025, the EDB’s cumulative portfolio comprised 319 projects with a total investment of US $19.1 billion. Its portfolio consists principally of projects with an integration effect in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. The Bank adheres to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles in its operations.
The EDB is implementing three mega-projects as part of its 2022–2026 Strategy: the Eurasian Transport Network, the Eurasian Agricultural Goods Distribution System and the Central Asian Water and Energy Complex.
The EDB Media Centre:
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