Building a Green and Sustainable Finance Workforce

33 Government and Policy Support Government agencies play a pivotal role in creating an enabling environment for GSF career development. Through strategic funding, policy direction, and public engagement, they can help catalyze interest and remove barriers for young professionals entering the field. 8. Expand financial support for GSF education and training. The strong interest among young people in utilizing support mechanisms like the Pilot GSF Capacity Building Support Scheme indicate both demand and potential for further development. To meet this demand and remove financial barriers to entry, the scheme can be strengthened by increasing funding, broadening eligibility criteria, and enhancing outreach efforts to students and institutions. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the scheme’s outcomes are essential to ensure its continued relevance and alignment with market needs and youth expectations. Additional measures such as targeted scholarships, fees subsidies, and grants for GSF-related programs can make education more accessible and inclusive, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds or non-finance disciplines. 9. Introduce incentives for employers to invest in youth development. Tax credits, training subsidies, or public recognition programs can encourage companies to hire and invest in training for young professionals in GSF roles. These incentives can help build a robust talent pipeline and foster a culture of sustainability within the private sector. 10. Lead public awareness campaigns to elevate the visibility of GSF careers. Campaigns that highlight the societal impact and career potential of GSF can help shift perceptions and attract more young talent. These efforts should be youth-oriented, leveraging social media, influencers, and storytelling to resonate with the target audience. To promote inclusivity, campaigns should also address gender disparities such as featuring female role models and tailoring messages that encourage greater female participation in GSF careers. 11. Ensure policy clarity and long-term stability in the GSF sector. Clear, consistent, and forward-looking regulations are essential for building trust and encouraging long-term career planning. Government agencies should engage with educators, industry leaders, and youth representatives to ensure that policies support both workforce development and sustainable finance goals. Youth representation should be actively included in policy dialogues and advisory boards related to sustainable finance. Inclusion in decision-making processes empowers young people and ensures their perspectives, priorities, and lived experiences are reflected in the development of policies that shape their future.