Ireland to establish the UNDP Sustainable Finance Project Office in Dublin

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Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien has today (Tuesday November 10th) secured government approval for the establishment of a UNDP Sustainable Finance Project Office in Dublin.(this was first published here)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations agency tasked with eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and promoting sustainable growth. It works with governments and local partners to strengthen policies, build resilience against crises, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It operates in 170 countries.

Sustainable finance is at the core of sustainable development and an integral part of tackling climate change. The role of the financial markets is critical – domestically and internationally – in providing transparent information on sustainability risks related to investment decisions, and in shifting financial flows towards decarbonisation and sustainable development.

This would be the first formal presence of the UNDP in Ireland. Discussions with the UNDP have been ongoing for a period of time and it is considered that locating the office in Dublin has the potential to build upon Ireland’s track record in international financial services.

Today's government approval includes entering into a legal agreement with the UNDP around funding, whereby 50% will be provided by the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment and 50% by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Commenting, Minister O'Brien said:

"Access to climate finance is critical to achieving our global climate objectives. A mix of public, private, philanthropic and innovative sources of finance will be needed – to reach our broader goals. There is a clear role for the financial services sector, in shifting financial flows towards sustainable development, and away from activities that keep us reliant on volatile fossil fuels.

"It is a reflection of our own track record in international financial services that the UNDP Sustainable Finance Project Office will be based in Dublin. I am especially pleased to have secured the approval for the establishment of this office in Dublin – in a week where Ireland's delegation has arrived in COP31 in Tรผrkiye. The EU sees COP31 as an opportunity to demonstrate that countries with very different circumstances and perspectives can continue to work together towards common objectives."

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee said:

"Sustainable finance is an increasingly important tool in helping countries achieve their development and climate objectives. Through our partnership with UNDP, Ireland will continue to support efforts to reduce poverty, build resilience and mobilise finance in support of sustainable development."

Ireland's role in Sustainable Finance

The government's 'Ireland for Finance Vision 2030 – Renewed and Refocussed for a Digital Age Strategy', published in August 2026 refers to the establishment of the Project Office as further highlighting Ireland's leadership in and commitment to sustainable finance. Sustainable finance broadly aims to embed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into the financial system, and lead to more long-term investments in sustainable economic activities.

Sustainable Finance Project Office staff

The Project Office will have 16 staff, with 14 based in Dublin. 1 staff member will be based in Geneva, and 1 in South Africa.

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