Lena-Katharina Gerdes

Program Manager - SDG Impact Finance Initiative (SIFI)

Sustainable finance has been the common thread across my work — from capital mobilisation and regulatory implementation to advising on decarbonisation strategies and impact measurement. With over eight years of experience, I’ve worked at the interface of public and private finance, helping institutions structure investments, embed ESG, and engage with the evolving sustainability landscape.

At the SDG Impact Finance Initiative (SIFI), I oversee the implementation of its blended finance activities across three strategic windows: financial innovation, catalytic investment, and ecosystem building. These efforts contribute to SIFI’s broader ambition to unlock up to CHF 1 billion in capital towards the SDGs by 2030. In this context, I support fund selection, sit on investment committees, represent SIFI on LPACs, and engage with our strategic donors — including SECO, KOICA, the Luxembourg Ministry of Finance, UBS Optimus Foundation, and the Ursimone Wietlisbach Foundation.

Alongside this, I’ve co-developed a consulting platform focused on sustainable transition strategies. The work has spanned financial services, real estate, and shipping — advising on ESG data architecture, net-zero implementation, and alignment with the EU Taxonomy. This entrepreneurial chapter has been a valuable opportunity to translate technical frameworks into practical action across a wide range of industries.