© Joanna Henckes
During a dedicated Ring the Bell ceremony held at the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, the International Finance Facility for Immunisation celebrated the 20th anniversary of its first vaccine bond issuance and listing on the Exchange.
On Friday, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE) and the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm) marked an important milestone for the UK-based organisation. Since launching its inaugural vaccine bond in 2006, IFFIm has helped mobilise more than USD 11 billion through 45 bond issuances in eight currencies, providing critical funding for immunisation programmes in lower-income countries through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. For two decades, LuxSE has served as the reference listing venue for IFFIm’s debt instruments.
Advancing public health through immunisation
Founded in 2006, IFFIm helps accelerate access to funding for immunisation and global health programmes. Working in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Bank and its 11 donor countries, IFFIm transforms long-term donor commitments into immediately available funding through the issuance of vaccine bonds. This enables Gavi to respond more quickly to public health needs and expand access to life-saving vaccines for children around the world. IFFIm has supported more than 14 vaccine introductions and enabled Gavi to immunise over 233 million additional children.
IFFIm currently benefits from long-term donor commitments from the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, South Africa, the Netherlands, Australia, Brazil and Canada.
Two decades of remarkable social impact
Under the anniversary theme, “Saving lives through vaccine bonds since 2006”, participants reflected on two decades of innovation in development finance and global health, while also looking ahead to the evolving challenges and opportunities facing immunisation programmes worldwide.
“For two decades, IFFIm’s vaccine bonds have stood as a powerful example of how capital markets can be mobilised to advance global health and social impact. Their success illustrates the vital role international investors play in financing essential public health initiatives through innovative and sustainable solutions. The Luxembourg Stock Exchange is proud to have supported IFFIm’s journey since its very first vaccine bond issuance in 2006 and we remain committed to fostering the development of impact-driven financing instruments that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world,” said Julie Becker, CEO of LuxSE.
“We are honoured to hold our first anniversary public event at the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, which has been such an integral partner to IFFIm’s success over the past two decades. From our very first vaccine bond issuance, LuxSE has provided a trusted and global platform that connects our mission with committed investors. As we celebrate 20 years, we look ahead with renewed ambition to deepen this collaboration and continue harnessing capital markets to deliver life-saving vaccines for millions of children around the world,” said Georgina Baker, Chair of IFFIm.
Long-standing collaboration
The anniversary was celebrated at LuxSE with speeches from Julie Becker, CEO of LuxSE, Georgina Baker, Chair of IFFIm, H.E. Joanne Olivier, UK Ambassador to Luxembourg, Dr Marthe Sylvie Essengue Elouma, Acting Director of Core Countries Segment at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and Veronique Jacobs, Special Representative to the EU, Belgium, Luxembourg and NATO at The World Bank.
The event brought together representatives of donor countries, investors, board members, international organisations, Luxembourg government institutions and other stakeholders who have contributed to IFFIm’s success over the past two decades.
The anniversary event underscored the long-standing collaboration between LuxSE and IFFIm and highlighted the important role capital markets can play in supporting global development objectives. It also reaffirmed the shared commitment of issuers, investors, donor countries and development partners to mobilising innovative financing solutions that improve health outcomes around the world.
For more information on IFFIm’s vaccine bonds, go to the issuer card: https://www.luxse.com/issuer/IntlFinFacImmun/58995
