TORONTO | Dec. 15, 2022 –– The Investor Leadership Network’s (ILN) 2022 cohort of the Sustainable Infrastructure Fellowship Program (SIFP) graduated today after a successful completion of the six month executive leadership program.
Created in 2018, this program offers academic and practical training to public-sector officials in emerging market government ministries, municipalities, organizations, and agencies charged with the development, financing, and operation of infrastructure. By better aligning the expectations of private investors with planners, the Fellowship seeks to increase investment-ready projects, diminish the infrastructure gap, and hasten emerging economies’ sustainable transitions. Since its creation in 2018, the program has tripled its cohort size, with 33 Fellows from 18 countries on 5 continents.
ILN members participate in the Fellowship Program’s lectures, guest speaking opportunities, case studies, project assignments and ‘industry days’ to share their perspectives and guidance as private institutional investors.
The 33 Fellows worked hard throughout the program, and their dedication was on full display as they presented their keystone projects to a Mock Investment Committee comprised of ILN members. The presentations were of the highest quality, demonstrating the impact of the program’s teachings on the Fellows.
The graduation event featured speeches from Marc-André Blanchard, Jim Clayton, Amy Hepburn, and James McKellar, who are champions of the SIFP and its mission to increase the bankability of infrastructure projects and mobilize capital towards infra projects globally.
Amy Hepburn, CEO of the Investor Leadership Network, told the Fellows, “We are at an extremely exciting and important moment in time; as the world undertakes a historic shift towards more sustainable energy, infrastructure, and systems, your work is more important than ever. Your infrastructure projects will help your local communities adapt to the changing climate, mitigate further emissions, and ensure the global economy remains resilient and stable throughout the challenges ahead. Your work will have measurable impacts on global health and equity. Although we’re celebrating the completion of this program today, I know that this is only the beginning of our collaboration. It is my hope that you walk away from this experience with renewed excitement and confidence in the power of public-private partnerships.”
The SIFP would not be possible without the support of the team at York University’s Schulich School of Business in Toronto, Canada, the ILN and its members, program instructors, and industry guest speakers. Additional financial support comes from the Global Infrastructure Hub (GI-Hub), a not-for-profit organization, formed by the G20, that advances the delivery of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure. Together, they have dedicated themselves to making the SIFP a success and helping the Fellows put their learning into practice.
Congratulations to all of the Fellows on their graduation, and we look forward to seeing the positive change they will make in the world.