At the "2026 Fifth Climate Investment and Financing International Workshop" held in Beijing on April 29-30, themed "New Carbon Financing Landscape, Building a Green Future," Wu Jian, a member of the Party Committee and Vice President of Bank of China, delivered a speech.
Wu Jian noted that global climate governance has entered a new phase of practical development, with countries further clarifying their goals to accelerate emissions reduction and adapt to climate change. The green and low-carbon transition has evolved from a global consensus into concrete actions. Last year, at the United Nations Climate Change Summit, China announced its new 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions. "This important declaration has injected significant confidence into global climate governance and opened up vast opportunities for climate investment and financing."
He pointed out that, observing current international trends, the global green and low-carbon transition is accelerating and deepening, the landscape of climate governance is undergoing profound adjustments, and the forms of international climate negotiations are becoming increasingly complex. The deep integration of finance and the real economy will serve as a crucial engine for advancing climate governance. Drawing from Bank of China's practical experience, he shared several insights from a financial perspective.
First, in terms of strategic planning, climate investment and financing are not only a key support for climate action but also a bridge connecting capital with the real economy. Bank of China places high importance on green finance development, having established and continuously improved a three-tier green finance governance structure covering the board of directors, senior management, and professional teams. The concept of green and low-carbon development is integrated throughout the group's management, business development, and internal operations.
Second, in business practice, Bank of China continues to provide strong financing support for key sectors such as clean energy, green transportation, and green buildings, aiding the green transformation of economic activities. The bank promotes innovation in products and services, injecting vigorous momentum into the field of climate investment and financing. "By the end of 2025, the bank's domestic green loan balance approached 5 trillion yuan, representing an increase of over 400% compared to the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period."
He also mentioned that Bank of China leads the market in green bond operations, with underwriting and investment scales ranking first among Chinese banks for many consecutive years. The bank has innovatively issued several world-first green bonds.
Third, regarding exchange and cooperation, Wu Jian emphasized that addressing climate change is a shared endeavor for all humanity. Currently, climate governance efforts are progressing with twists and turns, and standards systems still vary across regions. This makes it even more necessary for financial institutions to actively participate in the formulation and integration of relevant international standards, continuously enhancing China's voice and influence. Bank of China plays an active role in four domestic and six international green finance-related mechanisms, deeply engaging in the development and piloting of standards for transition finance, biodiversity finance, and carbon accounting, thereby promoting effective alignment of global green finance standards.
Wu Jian stated that Bank of China adheres to using finance as a bridge to deepen international cooperation and exchange, working with all parties to share sustainable development opportunities. Leveraging its presence in 64 countries and regions overseas and its expertise in cross-border finance, the bank actively explores global best practices in sustainable development. It has implemented the outcomes of the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, leading support for the Chinese Ministry of Finance's issuance of its first 6 billion yuan green sovereign bond in London. "As the first Chinese financial institution to join the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, Bank of China contributes its wisdom and strength to global sustainable development."
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