Energy plays an important role in both the causes and solutions to climate change. To escape the worst impacts, the science is clear: emissions must be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.

Recognizing the urgency, in December 2021, the United Nations General Assembly mandated that the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) increase its impact investments, while managing the real rate of return target set for the Fund.

At UNJSPF, the Real Assets team is strategically positioned to capture these opportunities through investments in a global energy transition fund. This fund targets scalable infrastructure and technologies that support global decarbonization — such as renewable power generation, battery storage and carbon-reduction technologies.

The move to impact investing is more than a global imperative – it's also good for business. The economy is undergoing a significant energy transition, driven by the rise in electricity demand and the gradual retirement of carbon-intensive assets. These structural shifts are contributing to a favorable and resilient investment environment within the energy transition sector.

“Energy transition is no longer a niche strategy; it is becoming a mainstream infrastructure opportunity,” said Natalie Hong, Senior Investment Officer at the Fund.

Private capital is becoming particularly key in financing large-scale projects that enable reliable, low-carbon power systems.

The Fund’s investment reflects its conviction that the energy transition is consistent with both global sustainability goals and long-term, stable value creation. Across all asset classes, our commitment to climate action is guided by net zero objectives aligned with the Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance (NZAOA) targets. These objectives rest on three pillars: (1) reducing carbon emissions across our portfolio, (2) actively engaging with investee companies to drive climate-aligned practices, and (3) financing the clean energy transition to accelerate global decarbonization.

“Our partnership with the global energy transition fund affirms this commitment by supporting the buildout of next-generation energy systems that power the digital economy responsibly,” said Tereza Hesounova-Trivell, Director of Private Markets at UNJSPF.

The Fund’s strategy is designed to deliver measurable climate impact, with expected outcomes such as millions of tonnes of emissions avoided and gigawatts of new clean energy capacity added worldwide by 2033. We anticipate continued momentum in this investment theme as demand for clean and reliable energy grows. Our focus remains on identifying opportunities where sustainability and performance go hand in hand. Through disciplined investment and partnerships with experienced operators, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable future, while delivering lasting value for our stakeholders.