• Gavi is investing in the RBC Global Asset Management’s RBC Impact Bond Strategy, which supports measurable social and environmental progress

• In recent years, Gavi has substantially expanded its embrace of sustainably focused investments

• “Our partnership with RBC GAM puts Gavi’s investment resources where its values and mission are,” said Stephen Zinser, the Chair of Gavi’s investment committee

Geneva 21 June 2021 – Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance today announced it is allocating US$ 60 million to support economic development efforts with an aim of reducing poverty, promoting economic prosperity for all and protecting the planet.

In partnership with RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM), Gavi is investing in the RBC Impact Bond Strategy, which is dedicated to supporting measurable social and environmental progress through investments in projects like clean water and sanitation, good health and well-being, affordable housing, clean energy, economic equality, and quality education. This investment aims to deliver both competitive risk-adjusted returns and positive social and environmental outcomes.

“Our partnership with RBC GAM puts Gavi’s investment resources where its values and mission are,” said Stephen Zinser, the Chair of Gavi’s investment committee and CEO of Roxbury Asset Management. “Since it launched in 2000, Gavi has been committed to closing global gaps in access to vaccines, which children everywhere need to build healthy, prosperous and productive lives. In recent years, Gavi has substantially expanded its embrace of sustainably focused investments. RBC GAM is providing yet another opportunity to apply Gavi’s investments to programmes that meet a broad range of social, environmental and economic needs.” 

The RBC Impact Bond Strategy is focused on creating measurable positive impacts across several themes, among them: solutions to climate change, affordable quality housing, health and well-being, education and career-promotion opportunities. The strategy finances environmental projects like clean water and solar energy infrastructure, along with socioeconomic projects like affordable rental housing properties, hospital systems and clinics, and small businesses, all within the liquid fixed income market.

“We are pleased to partner with Gavi on this initiative that combines an established fixed-income strategy with measurable positive social outcomes,” said Donald Sanya, Head of U.S. Institutional Sales, at RBC Global Asset Management. “RBC GAM is committed to helping clients thrive and communities prosper, and we are inspired by Gavi’s commitment to supporting the communities and the environment around them. We have already been impressed by Gavi’s work at fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and look forward to helping them invest in areas that align with their mission of improving global health.”

Gavi maintains a US$ 1.2 billion, broadly diversified portfolio, whose proceeds contribute to its transformational immunisation programmes in lower-income countries around the globe, including the COVAX Facility, which is designed to ensure that all countries have access to COVID-19 vaccines.

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Jeff Weintraub, Media relations consultant (U.S.) 
202-403-7695
jeff@weintraubcomms.com