FIJI’S South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX) has announced its admission on to the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges (UN SSE) initiative, joining a global network of more than 130 exchanges working collaboratively to promote sustainable development.
The move, it said in a statement this week, represented a strong commitment by SPX to advance sustainable finance and responsible investment.
“SPX is pleased to join stock exchanges around the world in a shared commitment to promote responsible investment and sustainability in capital markets,” SPX chief executive officer Sheraj Obeyesekere said.
“This is a timely and important step as we build a market that not only supports economic growth but also drives responsible and inclusive development.
“For us in the Pacific, one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, embedding sustainability is not just good governance but a necessity for resilience and long-term value creation.”
Mr Obeyesekere said by joining the UN SSE, SPX will have access to a wealth of global resources, best practices and peer exchange opportunities that will support the Exchange’s market development agenda, including initiatives around green finance, sustainability reporting and stakeholder engagement.
The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange (TTSE) was also admitted as a member alongside SPX.
“We are delighted to welcome TTSE and SPX to the UN SSE family,” UN SSE chief coordinator Anthony Miller said.
“Their participation highlights the growing momentum among exchanges in small island states to harness sustainable finance as a tool for resilience, innovation, and inclusive development.”
Island nations like Trinidad and Tobago and Fiji face unique and urgent challenges related to climate change, economic resilience and social equity.
The UN SSE initiative is a UN Partnership Programme organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UN Global Compact, United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) and the PRI (Principles for Responsible Investment).
Its mission is to provide a global platform for exploring how exchanges, in collaboration with investors, companies (issuers), regulators, policymakers and relevant international organisations, can enhance performance on environmental, social and governance issues and encourage sustainable investment, including the financing of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated July 19, 2025
