LocationsEcuador Opens a New Era of Sustainable Finance with the First Green Bond Issued by a Public Bank
24 de Junio de 2026
Quito, June 2026 – Ecuador has reached a major milestone in the development of sustainable finance with the launch of the first Green Bond issued by a public financial institution in the country. Led by the Development Bank of Ecuador (Banco de Desarrollo del Ecuador – BDE), this issuance represents a landmark innovation for Ecuador’s public banking sector and will mobilize resources toward sustainable projects in areas such as water and sanitation, renewable energy, energy efficiency, infrastructure, low-emission transportation, and environmental management.
The issuance is the result of a partnership between the Development Bank of Ecuador (BDE), the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This milestone was achieved with the support of the Global Green Bond Initiative (GGBI), the EU’s flagship program under the Global Gateway investment agenda. The initiative aims to mobilize up to EUR 20.000 million in private capital for sustainable investments across EU partner countries through green bonds, while simultaneously supporting the development of robust domestic green bond markets.
This collaboration has strengthened institutional capacities, structured an issuance aligned with international standards, and unlocked new opportunities to mobilize sustainable investment with economic, social, and environmental impact across Ecuadorian territories.
“Following the reduction of Ecuador’s country risk, the success of the macroeconomic program, and significant institutional progress, the Development Bank has entered the capital markets with a USD 100 million issuance dedicated directly to green and environmentally friendly projects,” said Carlos Rivera, General Manager of the Development Bank of Ecuador (BDE).
Beyond being a financial transaction, this Green Bond represents a new way of connecting capital market resources with projects that generate tangible environmental and social benefits for cities and communities throughout the country. The instrument will strengthen local governments’ capacity to advance sustainable infrastructure and address challenges such as climate change, access to basic services, and territorial resilience.
It also positions Ecuador as a regional leader by demonstrating that public banking institutions can play a key role in mobilizing sustainable investment and bridging investors, national development priorities, and local needs.
EU Global Gateway: Driving Sustainable Investment for Development
The Green Bond issuance reflects the European Union’s commitment, through its Global Gateway investment agenda, to promoting sustainable investments that contribute to the economic, social, and environmental development of partner countries.
In this context, the Global Green Bond Initiative (GGBI) supported BDE in structuring an issuance aligned with international standards, demonstrating how international cooperation can create the conditions needed to channel capital toward projects that deliver measurable, positive impacts for people and communities.
UNDP’s Contribution: Global Expertise for Sustainable Finance
As a strategic technical partner, UNDP supported the Development Bank of Ecuador throughout the structuring process, contributing international expertise and specialized knowledge to enhance the quality and credibility of the instrument.
Support included strengthening the Green Bond Framework, identifying the portfolio of eligible projects, providing guidance on the financial strategy, facilitating coordination among key stakeholders, and delivering technical assistance throughout the preparation process.
This work helped establish a robust, transparent issuance aligned with international best practices, strengthening market confidence and laying the groundwork for future sustainable finance initiatives in Ecuador.
Beyond the issuance itself, this process strengthens Ecuador’s capacity to mobilize sustainable finance and positions the country as a regional example of how public banking institutions, international cooperation partners, and investors can work together to finance solutions that improve people’s lives and generate lasting impact across territories.
About the European Union
The European Union is made up of 27 countries that have progressively pooled their expertise, resources, and futures. Over more than 70 years, they have built an area of stability, democracy, and sustainable development while preserving cultural diversity, tolerance, and individual freedoms.
In Ecuador, the European Union has maintained a Delegation since 2003 and has had an accredited Ambassador since 2016. The EU currently works to:
Deepen its ties with Ecuador through a partnership of equals based on mutual respect for Human Rights, the Rule of Law, and Democracy.
Implement its Multiannual Indicative Programme for Cooperation (2021–2027), which prioritizes green, sustainable, and inclusive projects.
Promote sustainable development for all through trade, investment, and enhanced cooperation in science and innovation.
About Global Gateway
Global Gateway is the European Union’s strategy to mobilize sustainable, high-impact investments in partner countries. In Ecuador, it supports initiatives that advance the green transition, strengthen sustainable infrastructure, and mobilize development finance in partnership with national and international stakeholders.
About Ecuador Verde
Ecuador Verde is an initiative promoted by the European Union through Global Gateway and implemented by UNDP Ecuador. The project supports the transition toward a cleaner, more circular, and competitive economy by strengthening capacities, partnerships, and investments that contribute to the country’s sustainable development.
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in more than 170 countries and territories, supporting solutions to reduce inequalities, strengthen resilience, and accelerate sustainable development. In Ecuador, UNDP supports initiatives that advance climate action, the green transition, and finance for development.
