Foreword

Dear Impact Friend,

Change is both a natural law and a tool in our hands, with the potential to usher immense transformation. As we navigate through significant challenges, it's this 'power of change' that fuels our hope, drives our innovation, and propels us toward a sustainable future.

Since our founding in 2003, we have invested over $14 billion in projects to mitigate climate change, promote financial inclusion, and support sustainable food production. With two decades of experience, we now manage nearly $5 billion in assets as a global impact pioneer, with a focus on investing capital where it can contribute most to positive change - mainly in emerging markets.

The 2023 Special Edition of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report underscores the urgency of our mission: more than half the world's population is being left behind at the current pace of progress, and progress in many key areas, including poverty, nutrition and climate, is insufficient or has even worsened. Climate change and geopolitical tensions, exacerbated by Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the war between Israel and Hamas, along with the persistent inflation in many countries, have contributed to additional challenges. Emerging economies suffer most from underinvestment in the Sustainable Development Goals.

Despite these challenges, in the past year alone, responsAbility has made a significant achievement in the area of climate mitigation by saving over 1 megaton of CO₂ which is an equivalent to carbon removal of 40 million trees. In financial inclusion, responsAbility portfolio companies have enabled more than 50 million people to access financial services, bringing them a small step closer to realizing their big dreams. In the sustainable food sector, responsAbility has reached around 1 million farmers. Over its entire portfolio, responsAbility has supported the financing of over 600,000 hectares of certified sustainable agricultural land, equivalent to an area larger than the country of Luxembourg, making a significant contribution to more sustainable farming practices.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are looking not backward, but forward. Every day, our corporate purpose reminds us how precious and worthy of protection our planet is. We firmly believe that sustainable impact and profit go hand in hand.

Every day, our 260-plus employees from nearly 40 countries at our 8 locations around the world collaborate to achieve a positive, measurable impact and a sustainable return.

Let's work together to protect our precious planet.

Enjoy reading.

Dr Stephanie Bilo Chief Client & Investment Solutions Officer