Ryuta Kuniyoshi is a recent graduate from the University of Cambridge. Photo: IFC.
Ryuta Kuniyoshi is a recent graduate from the University of Cambridge and a participant in the IFC Impact Investing Challenge (IIC), which featured over 190 graduate students from around the world. In this interview, Ryuta shares his perspectives on the critical role that impact investing plays in addressing climate change and in supporting IFC's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also reflects on his expectations for his upcoming fellowship with the IFC Climate Business department and how he envisions contributing to sustainable development through his work.
Can you tell us about your experience participating in the IIC? What inspired you and your team to take part?
Gender equality and climate action are urgent global issues. Through my experience at a development bank and graduate studies in sustainability, I have learned that finance is a key driver of sustainable development. The Impact Investing Challenge presents a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of impact investment and learn about the advanced practices of IFC, a pioneer in development finance.
How did your participation in the IIC shape your approach to impact investing, particularly in the climate business sector?
Through the master classes and feedback from IFC experts, I have gained a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of gender and climate issues. Addressing these challenges together can create powerful, synergistic effects.
For instance, our team, CoolidGe, aimed to promote food storage services in Ghana’s agricultural sector, directly addressing both the gender productivity gap and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from food loss. Women constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, making their proactive involvement essential for climate mitigation and adaptation. Conversely, reducing food loss is crucial for boosting female farmers’ incomes.
This challenge highlighted the importance of adopting a cross-cutting approach that goes beyond focusing on a single issue.
What are some key lessons you’re looking to learn during your fellowship with the IFC Climate Business department?
I would like to gain practical knowledge through the fellowship. The climate sector is constantly evolving, with many new technologies emerging. I am excited to deepen my understanding of how IFC identifies feasible projects or makes them viable through creative financing solutions.
Additionally, the IFC Climate Business department integrates expertise across all aspects of climate, including business development, climate finance, and the World Bank Group’s Paris Alignment I hope to acquire cutting-edge insights through interactions with experts from across the department.
Ryuta Kuniyoshi was a participant in the IFC Impact Investing Challenge which featured over 190 graduate students from around the world. Photo: IFC.
How do you see impact investing playing a role in addressing climate change and supporting sustainable development goals?
Sustainability is a pressing issue that draws significant attention from both investors and entrepreneurs. Impact investing can act as a vital bridge between the two. For investors, innovative approaches addressing their interests and concerns can enhance the viability of investments. For entrepreneurs, impact investing provides access to more capital at potentially preferable terms.
Moreover, climate plays a critical role in advancing broader sustainability goals. As demonstrated through the challenge, climate actions can directly or indirectly boost gender equality, and vice versa. Another example is resilience, which is also closely linked to addressing climate change.
Achieving these ambitions requires deep expertise in both finance and sustainability, and I am eager to further develop my knowledge in these areas.
Looking ahead, how do you plan to use the experience from both the IIC and your fellowship to further your career in impact investing and climate business?
After completing the fellowship program, I plan to work at JBIC, Japan’s policy-based financial institution. JBIC is intensifying efforts to address climate change. With my background in the energy sector, I am particularly focused on promoting the decarbonization and efficient utilization of energy. The energy sector is responsible for a significant share of global GHG emissions, but it also plays a crucial role in advancing women’s empowerment through increased energy access. However, regional disparities in energy sector investing persist, and investment in the Global South remains insufficient. By applying insights gained from the program, I hope to propose innovative impact investing solutions that address climate change and drive inclusive growth.
What advice would you give to future IIC participants who are interested in pursuing a career in climate and impact investing?
The challenge offers a unique opportunity for those interested in impact investing. First, participants benefit from valuable insights and expert feedback from IFC’s leading specialists. Second, finalists get prestigious networking opportunities with senior management teams. Third, the challenge fosters a vibrant community of like-minded graduate students from around the world, united by a shared passion for impact investing. While the commitment is considerable, the rewards are equally substantial, so I highly encourage others to embrace this opportunity.