The SDG Impact Finance Initiative Welcomes Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as New Board Member

The SDG Impact Finance Initiative (SIFI) is proud to welcome the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as its newest board member, joining Switzerland (SECO, SDC), the UBS Optimus Foundation, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Ministry of Finance) and the Ursimone Wietlisbach Foundation in a global effort to scale impact investing. This strategic partnership aims to mobilize private capital at scale to accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing economies.

The announcement was made during a special event at Switzerland’s Embassy to the Republic of Korea, underscoring the shared commitment of SIFI and KOICA to drive investments, foster public-private partnerships, and build a resilient impact investing ecosystem that delivers measurable and sustainable impact in underserved markets. SIFI’s CEO, Guillaume Bonnel, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating: "Our best chance to achieve the 2030 SDGs lies in uniting our efforts. Global and systemic challenges such as climate change, and access to food, healthcare, and education can only be effectively addressed at scale through global partnerships. By joining SIFI, Korea exemplifies a strong commitment to advancing sustainable development with a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility."

Adding to the message of partnership, Ms. Jungmee Sohn, Vice President for Global Solidarity and Partnership at KOICA, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting KOICA's dedication to impactful global development: “KOICA is honored to join SIFI and contribute actively to this global initiative. We firmly believe that blending our resources, expertise, and networks with SIFI will amplify our impact, enabling us to significantly advance the SDGs. Through innovative partnerships and strategic collaboration, KOICA aims to mobilize increased private capital to create sustainable, inclusive, and measurable outcomes for communities in developing regions.”

This partnership also reflects the shared visions of Switzerland, the Republic of Korea, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. H.E. Dagmar Schmidt Tartagli, Ambassador of Switzerland to the Republic of Korea, noted: "This partnership reflects deep alignment between Switzerland and the Republic of Korea—in values, in regional engagement, and in the belief that public-private collaboration is essential for scale. KOICA brings not only strategic resources but also a deep understanding of development challenges and opportunities—across Asia and beyond. We are truly delighted to welcome KOICA’s leadership to the SIFI platform."

This was echoed by Mr. Thierry Santer, Executive Director of the Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office in Seoul and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Luxembourg, who stated that “The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg recognizes SIFI as an effective initiative for bringing together public and private actors around a common purpose: deploying capital to make a positive impact. Based on our experience upon joining SIFI, we believe that the initiative can serve as an ideal platform for new partners, such as the Republic of Korea, to increase the impact of their development assistance and channel their efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals.”

Scaling Impact Through Global Cooperation

SIFI’s members share an ambitious goal of mobilizing CHF 1 billion in private investment by leveraging public and philanthropic funds through a unified international platform. This platform is designed to develop innovative impact financing products, support their investment readiness, and scale them by reducing risks for private investors. To date, SIFI has deployed capital in 20 financing solutions, supporting transformative projects such as innovative education solutions, affordable green housing in Sub-Saharan Africa, regenerative agriculture, digitalization, and economic inclusion worldwide.

In May 2025, SIFI launched its latest Call for Proposals under its Investment Window, specifically targeting SDGs 3, 4, and 5, with a strong emphasis on Southeast Asia and the Mekong region. This initiative represents SIFI’s commitment to driving sustainable development through targeted investments in areas that matter most.

KOICA’s addition to SIFI marks a significant step forward in global cooperation for sustainable impact, strengthening collective efforts to bridge the financing gap for the SDGs and build resilient communities in developing regions.

About the SDG Impact Finance Initiative

Launched in December 2021, the SDG Impact Finance Initiative is a public-private partnership between the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the UBS Optimus Foundation, and the Ministry of Finance of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Its goal is to unlock up to CHF 1 billion in private capital in support of the SDGs by 2030. It does this by providing grants that support the design and development of innovative financial solutions that help achieve the SDGs, by deploying first-loss investments that helps scale and mainstream impact investment solutions, and by working to strengthen the ecosystem and improve framework conditions for impact investing.

About KOICA’s Innovative Partnership Program

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is a governmental organization established in 1991 under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea. Its primary mission is to promote sustainable development, enhance human rights, and reduce global poverty through various forms of international cooperation. KOICA delivers its impact by implementing grant aid programs, technical cooperation, capacity-building projects, and policy consulting in partnership with governments, international organizations, and NGOs across developing nations. With a focus on sustainable development goals (SDGs), KOICA’s initiatives span critical sectors such as education, healthcare, rural development, climate resilience, and infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships and innovation-driven programs, KOICA aims to contribute to inclusive growth and socio-economic transformation in emerging markets.

KOICA’s Innovative Partnership Program (IPS) is a strategic partnership project with various international partners of KOICA to explore new areas, regions, and methods, internalize the results and expand and reproduce a new business model. It leverages innovative technologies, expertise, and resources from private companies, NGOs, and academic institutions to achieve sustainable outcomes aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).