Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) has launched the national ‘Sustainable Finance Roadmap’, establishing a strategic framework to strengthen the financial sector’s role in supporting Brunei’s transition to a sustainable, climate-resilient economy.
In his speech, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism and Chairman of BDCB’s Board of Directors highlighted the immense global funding requirement for sustainable development, underscoring the local sector’s critical role.
“According to the United Nations, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires approximately USD4 trillion annually, with over half — around USD2.2 trillion — directed to climate-related investments,” said Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf Haji Metussin.
“This highlights the critical role of the financial sector in mobilising capital strategically to advance sustainable development,” he said.
He reaffirmed the nation’s steadfast commitment to the 2030 Agenda, aligning the roadmap with both the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP) and the long-term vision of Wawasan 2035.
Despite Brunei’s minimal contribution to global emissions, the minister underscored the nation’s exposure to climate impacts.
“We have seen and felt the adverse impacts of climate change, from floods and forest fires to strong winds and landslides,” he said.
He affirmed that this reality strengthens our commitment to a just and equitable transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
The roadmap identifies significant opportunities in Islamic sustainable finance, aligned with Maqasid al-Syariah principles. With the global Islamic finance industry exceeding USD5 trillion and Brunei’s proven track record in issuing over BND18 billion in Sukuk Al-Ijarah, the minister highlighted the potential for innovative green and social sukuk to mobilise capital for sustainable development.
The minister also urged financial institutions to embed sustainability into strategy and risk management; enhance transparency; innovate financing solutions; and partner with government and development institutions to scale up investible projects.
On her part, Managing Director of BDCB Hajah Rashidah binti Haji Sabtu framed climate change and social inequality as tangible financial threats.
“Climate change and social inequality are not only moral concerns. They are real financial risks that can affect stability, growth, and the well-being of our people,” she said.
She thanked the consortium of government and industry stakeholders whose collective effort stands as a testament to our common vision to steer Brunei’s financial system toward long-term resilience and sustainability.
Looking forward, Hajah Rashidah outlined BDCB’s commitment to building a strong foundation for sustainable finance, which includes enhancing transparency and embedding climate risk into financial supervision. She pledged to ensure that this transition is fair and inclusive, leaving no community, sector or individual behind.
The launch event also featured expert insights to complement the strategic vision. A presentation titled ‘Beyond the S-Curve: Advancing Sustainable Finance in Brunei Darussalam’ was delivered by Dr Adam Ng, Advisor for the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), offering a forward-looking perspective on the sector’s evolution.
This was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Brunei Darussalam’s Climate Commitments: Building the Foundation for Sustainable Finance’, moderated by Dr Sarah Hanaa Haji Ahmad Ghazali, Deputy Director (Sustainability) at the Office of Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation & Sustainability) of Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
The session brought together panellists Mohammed Roaizan Haji Johari, Assistant Executive Director & Head of Financial Development at Brunei Darussalam Central Bank; Awang Ahmad Zaiemaddien Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Halbi, Director of the Brunei Climate Change Office at the Prime Minister’s Office; and Nurul Adilah Haji Abu Bakar, Lead Portfolio Manager (Fixed Income) at BIBD Securities Sdn Bhd, who shared practical insights on the opportunities and collaborative efforts needed to bring the roadmap to life.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
