United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative

The United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative, founded in 2009, serves as a collaborative platform aimed at aligning capital markets with sustainable development. The initiative, spearheaded by key entities including the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UN Global Compact, the UN Environment Program Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), focuses on enhancing corporate transparency and improving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) performance through peer-to-peer learning. The SSE, inaugurated with support from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in New York City, USA, has since evolved into hosting global dialogues, regional dialogues, and high-level summit side events. Notably, at the SSE 2012 Global Dialogue, the initiative was expanded to include stock exchanges making public commitments to sustainability and thus becoming SSE Partner Exchanges. These now include prominent global stock exchanges from both developed and developing countries. The SSE actively invites exchanges globally to commit publicly to promoting enhanced ESG disclosure and performance among listed companies. The initiative works closely with Partner Exchanges, regulators, investors, companies, and other stakeholders through dialogue, capacity building, and research to promote sustainable and transparent capital markets. The SSE's focus on ESG issues aligns with the increasing global emphasis on responsible investing and corporate sustainability.