On World No Tobacco Day, Scotland’s finance sector can show leadership by stopping its investments in tobacco companies
Scotland’s special role in championing tobacco-free finance
Tobacco damages the lungs of the earth
It is well-known that tobacco causes considerable harms to human health. Less well-known perhaps are the significant environmental and climate-related damages also associated with tobacco production and consumption. The financial sector can play its part in 'building back better' by driving investment away from tobacco to more sustainable ends.
Scotland and ethical finance: perspectives from experts
In this series of short videos, I interview experts from academia and the financial sector for their insights on the history of ethical finance in Scotland and Scotland's role today in driving forward this fast-growing market.
Adapting aid to end poverty: Delivering the commitment to leave no one behind in the context of Covid-19
This report for Development Initiatives analyses the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on poverty and finance flows and asks how aid can change to support an inclusive and sustained recovery.
ESG and the SDGs: A perfect partnership?
How will the COVID-19 pandemic affect ESG investments? And is it possible to ensure that the current focus on ESG standards benefits low-income countries? Gail Hurley calls for more patient capital and a hands-on approach.
Paper and video: Organised Crime in the Fisheries Sector
Our "Blue Paper" explores how organised crime in the fisheries sector threatens a sustainable ocean and puts forward an action plan to tackle the problem
Is it time to revive debt-for-health swaps?
As the COVID-19 crisis worsens SDG financing gaps, could debt-for-health swaps provide an additional way in which more resources for healthcare systems could be made available while also reduce high debt burdens?
Public sector lenders must show leadership amid the coronavirus crisis
Public sector lenders should take the lead in pioneering innovative loan contracts that allow borrowers to better respond to crises like the coronavirus pandemic
Global pandemic must be the impetus for a new era of international cooperation and financing for Global Public Goods
The coronavirus crisis highlights just how much the world needs a well-coordinated and well-resourced system of international public financing. Global Public Investment offers an ambitious approach towards pooling resources and knowledge.
Video: Ethical Finance Market Update
I interview key leaders in sustainable finance on the evolution of the ethical finance market.
Building a finance system to slow climate change
The UN Climate Change Conference in Madrid has wrapped up, and all eyes will now be on Scotland as next year’s host of what is arguably the world’s most important international conference. How can we build a financial system that has people and planet at its heart?
Meeting the challenge of financing for sustainable development
I'm delighted to announce I've joined Development Initiatives as a Fellow. Read my introductory blog in which I talk about making development finance fit for purpose in a changing world...
Helping Zambia’s farmers ditch tobacco with innovative finance
As the market for tobacco leaf gradually declines, innovative financing offers a window of opportunity to help small farmers in Zambia transition to better, alternative livelihoods...
Sustainable investing: where are we today?
Responsible investment is growing. But there are questions about its impact on achieving sustainable development.
Gail Hurley 