UBS Optimus Foundation and Bridges Outcomes Partnerships have announced the successful final closing of the SDG Outcomes Fund at the 4th UN International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla. The fund has reached its USD 100 million target, thanks to a new anchor commitment from the European Union. This initiative is aimed at accelerating progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by supporting outcomes-focused programs in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa and Asia.
The fund employs a "blended finance" approach where UBS Optimus Foundation provides first-loss capital, while senior capital is provided by entities such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), British International Investment (BII), US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and private investors. The EIB recently completed an USD 18 million commitment through funding from the European Commission via the ACP Trust Fund.
Tom Hall, Global Head of Social Impact and Philanthropy and CEO of UBS Optimus Foundation Network, stated: “The SDG Outcomes Fund is a ground-breaking initiative that shows how different forms of capital can come together to deliver outcomes for people who need it most."
Mila Lukic OBE, CEO of Bridges Outcomes Partnerships, commented: “The results achieved by the SDG Outcomes Fund already show that by bringing together a range of partners... we can achieve better outcomes for individuals and better value for our funders."
Ambroise Fayolle, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, remarked: “Our commitment is more than just financing – it's investing in a future where every investment delivers tangible, measured impact."
European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela said: “New opportunities — better education, impactful training, quality jobs. That is one of the core goals of the Global Gateway."
Leslie Maasdorp, CEO of British International Investment added: “BII is proud to support the SDG Outcomes Fund which is dedicated to achieving better outcomes for underserved communities."
The SDG Outcomes Fund focuses on health, education, women's economic empowerment, and environmental programs. It aims to transform service delivery models in low- and middle-income countries by building local capacity and promoting innovative solutions. Programs supported include educational initiatives in India and Sierra Leone; health services in Kenya; recycling projects in Nigeria; and employment opportunities in Türkiye.