Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s Commitment to Gender Equality and Sustainable Development Goals

Corporate Commitment to Gender Equality

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) demonstrates a strong corporate commitment to gender equality, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). AIIB’s Corporate Strategy for 2021-2030 and Environmental and Social Framework emphasize the critical role of gender equality in sustainable economic development.

In September 2024, AIIB released its Gender Action Plan, which underscores the necessity of integrating gender considerations into all investments. This plan ensures that adverse gender impacts are identified and that infrastructure development benefits are accessible to all, with a focus on maximizing benefits for women. AIIB President Jin Liqun highlighted, “Gender inclusion is the essential foundation that enables AIIB’s development mission.”

Gender Diversity at AIIB

AIIB actively promotes gender diversity within its institution, recognizing it as a source of innovation and a competitive advantage. Diverse perspectives foster creativity, problem-solving, and enhance the Bank’s agility in meeting the needs of its Members across Asia and beyond.

Asma Shaikh, Acting Vice President and Chief Administration Officer, noted the steady increase in women professional staff, rising from 18 in 2016 to 263 by the end of 2024, representing 42% of the total professional workforce. The Bank encourages more women to pursue careers in infrastructure finance, contributing to the vision of building inclusive and sustainable infrastructure for tomorrow.

Women Leaders in Infrastructure Finance at AIIB

Profiles and Insights from Key Female Professionals

1. Mehek Marwaha – Senior Investment Officer, Public Sectors Clients Department (Region 2)

   Motivation and Career Path: Mehek’s passion for infrastructure’s role in economic development and community impact led her to infrastructure finance. She joined AIIB to contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth through projects promoting connectivity, resilience, and innovation.

   Exciting Projects: Mehek has worked on sustainable energy, cross-border transport connectivity, and healthcare projects that align with AIIB’s mission to finance forward-looking infrastructure supporting economic opportunities and environmental sustainability (SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities).

   Challenges as a Woman: Overcoming biases and establishing credibility in a male-dominated sector required resilience. The growing recognition of diversity in leadership is creating new opportunities for women.

   Unique Perspectives: Women bring collaboration, a focus on long-term sustainability, and social impact awareness to investment decisions.

   Support from AIIB: AIIB provides opportunities to lead complex transactions and fosters an inclusive environment with mentorship and leadership development.

   Key Qualities for Success: Tenacity, adaptability, and strategic thinking, supported by leadership training and mentorship programs.

2. Suzanne Shaw – Senior Investment Officer, Financial Institutions and Funds Clients Department (Global)

   Motivation and Career Path: Suzanne combined her technical energy background and finance knowledge to impact infrastructure finance, focusing on sustainability as integral to development. She values AIIB’s growth and unique opportunities.

   Exciting Projects: Suzanne contributed to AIIB’s first infrastructure project in Rwanda, supporting universal energy access and clean cooking solutions, advancing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

   Challenges as a Woman: Often the only woman in meetings or project sites, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity and effective communication.

   Unique Perspectives: Women excel at balancing diverse stakeholder interests, crucial in multi-stakeholder infrastructure projects.

   Support from AIIB: Participation in AIIB’s Women Mentorship program enabled valuable learning and guidance from senior female colleagues.

   Key Qualities for Success: Ownership, relationship-building, and confident communication, cultivated through leadership opportunities and tailored training.

3. Nia Beria – Investment Associate, Project and Corporate Finance Clients Department (Global)

   Motivation and Career Path: Nia is driven by the tangible impact of development finance on economic growth and quality of life. She joined AIIB to grow professionally while contributing to impactful infrastructure projects.

   Exciting Projects: Nia worked on Georgia Capital’s sustainability-linked bond, AIIB’s first local capital market bond investment, supporting climate mitigation and renewable energy aligned with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 7.

   Challenges as a Woman: While infrastructure finance remains male-dominated, increasing female representation in leadership and technical roles is encouraging.

   Unique Perspectives: Women foster holistic, inclusive, and long-term investment approaches emphasizing sustainability and social impact.

   Support from AIIB: AIIB offers diverse project experiences, professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive culture valuing contributions.

   Key Qualities for Success: Curiosity, boldness, patience, and willingness to ask questions, nurtured by AIIB’s supportive environment and mentorship.

AIIB’s Role in Advancing Gender Equality and Sustainable Infrastructure

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 5 – Gender Equality: AIIB’s Gender Action Plan and corporate policies promote gender inclusion and equitable access to benefits from infrastructure projects.
• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Projects such as Rwanda’s universal energy access and renewable energy initiatives support clean energy transitions.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: AIIB finances innovative and resilient infrastructure that fosters economic development.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: Investments in sustainability-linked bonds and renewable energy contribute to climate mitigation efforts.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Infrastructure projects enhance urban development and community well-being.

Institutional Support for Women in Infrastructure Finance

• Provision of leadership training, mentorship, and sponsorship programs to empower women professionals.
• Encouragement of women’s participation in high-impact projects and decision-making roles.
• Creation of an inclusive and supportive work environment that values diversity and fosters career advancement.
• Promotion of gender diversity as a strategic asset enhancing innovation and responsiveness to Member needs.

Conclusion

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s commitment to gender equality is integral to its mission to finance sustainable infrastructure aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. By fostering gender diversity within its workforce and embedding gender considerations in its investments, AIIB advances inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social well-being across Asia and beyond.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article emphasizes AIIB’s commitment to gender equality through its Gender Action Plan, increasing women’s representation in professional staff, and supporting women’s career growth in infrastructure finance.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Projects such as the universal energy access initiative in Rwanda aim to increase electricity access and promote renewable energy.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • AIIB’s core mission to finance sustainable infrastructure development, including transport connectivity and urban development projects.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Investment in renewable energy and sustainability-linked bonds to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote climate mitigation.
5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Promotion of inclusive economic growth through infrastructure finance and support for women’s employment and leadership.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
   • Target 5.b: Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Gender Equality Indicators
   • Proportion of women in professional staff positions at AIIB (from 18 in 2016 to 263 in 2024, representing 42%).
   • Participation of women in leadership and decision-making roles within AIIB.
   • Implementation and outcomes of the AIIB Gender Action Plan.
2. Energy Access and Sustainability Indicators
   • Percentage increase in electricity access in Rwanda from 66% to 100%.
   • Number of households and schools provided with clean cooking solutions (80,000 households and 60 schools).
   • Reduction in use of unsustainable energy sources such as diesel, kerosene, and firewood.
3. Climate Action Indicators
   • Greenhouse gas emissions reduction supported by sustainability-linked bond transactions.
   • Investment in renewable energy assets and green finance projects.
4. Economic Growth and Employment Indicators
   • Number and scale of infrastructure projects financed that contribute to economic development.
   • Growth in women’s employment and career advancement within AIIB.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: efinancialcareers.com